Guideline for the Management of Acid Aulphate Materials - RTA

` 

Guidelines for the Management of 

Acid Sulfate Materials: 

Acid Sulfate Soils, Acid Sulfate Rock and Monosulfidic Black Ooze 

Printed Copies of this guideline are uncontrolled

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Title: Guidelines for the Management of Acid Sulfate Materials: 

Version Number: 1 

Date of issue: April 2005 

Acid Sulfate Soils, Acid Sulfate Rock and Monosulfidic Black 

Ooze. 

© Copyright 2005 Roads and Traffic Authority NSW 

ISBN 1920907203 

RTA/Pub. 05.032 

Environment Branch 

Level 6, Centennial Plaza, 260 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 

PO Box K198, Haymarket, NSW 1238 

The document is available at: 

www.rta.nsw.gov.au 

For further information, please contact: 

The Manager, Environmental Compliance 

Phone (02) 9218 6420. 

Note: This document supersedes the RTA’s Acid Sulphate Soil: Policy and 

Procedures 1995; and Acid Sulphate Soil: Guidelines 1996. 




Amendment Register 

This is Version 1 of the RTA’s Guidelines for the Management of Acid Sulfate Materials: Acid 

Sulfate Soils, Acid Sulfate Rock and Monosulfidic Black Ooze. 

To ensure that your copy of this guideline remains current, check the amendments register 

regularly on the RTA internet site. 

The RTA has not published hard copies of this guideline. Any printed copies of this guideline are 

uncontrolled. 

Amendment 

Number 

Chapter 

number 

Amendments 

Page 

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Comments 

Date 

0 All Issue of Version 1 


Acknowledgments 

This guideline was prepared by staff of the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW (RTA) in 

conjunction with Umwelt Environmental Consultants. 

The RTA would like to thank the people who provided comment during the review of the 

document. 


Foreword 

The RTA is committed to improving its management systems to achieve sustainable 

environmental outcomes for road development, construction and asset management. The 

Guidelines for the Management of Acid Sulfate Materials: Acid Sulfate Soils, Acid Sulfate 

Rock and Monosulfidic Black Ooze provide procedures for the environmental impact 

assessment, identification, investigation and management of Acid Sulfate Materials. 

I commend these guidelines for use by all RTA staff, contractors and consultants. 

Paul Forward 

Chief Executive 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Introduction....................................................................................... 1 

PART 1 

Who needs to use this Guideline..................................................................................... 3 

When to use this Guideline .............................................................................................. 3 

Structure of the Document ............................................................................................... 4 

Part 1: Management Context................................................................................................................4 

Part 2: Management of ASM..................................................................................................................5 

Part 3: Technical References.................................................................................................................5 

Technical Support ............................................................................................................. 5 

1.0 RTA ASM Management Aim .................................................. 7 

2.0 Management System Context of this Guideline................... 7 

3.0 Statutory and Policy Context................................................. 8 

4.0 Acid Sulfate Materials and Acid Sulfate impacts on the 

Environment and Structures ................................................. 8 

4.1 Acid Sulfate Soils.................................................................................................... 8 

4.1.1 Inland Acid Sulfate Soils............................................................................................................8 

4.1.2 Other Coastal Acid Soils that are not Acid Sulfate ..........................................................9 

4.2 Monosulfidic Black Ooze........................................................................................ 9 

4.3 Acid Sulfate Rock.................................................................................................. 10 

5.0 How does the presence of ASM affect the RTA’s 

environmental performance? .............................................. 11 

PART 2 

6.0 Management Principles ....................................................... 13 

7.0 RTA ASM Procedures .......................................................... 14 

7.1 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 1: Identification of Acid Sulfate Material . 

................................................................................................................................. 18 

7.2 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 2: Environmental Impact Assessment. 27 

7.3 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 3: ASM Management Planning Process32 

7.4 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 4: Selection of ASM Controls ................ 38 


PART 3 

8.0 Glossary................................................................................ 49 

9.0 References............................................................................ 54 

APPENDICES 

1 National Water Quality Management Strategy - Australian and New 

Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) 

2 Summary of Policies and Statutes affecting RTA activities in ASM 

areas 

3 Impacts of Acid Sulfate Materials 



Printed Copies of this guideline are uncontrolled 1

Introduction 

This Guideline addresses the management of Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS), Acid Sulfate 

Rock (ASR) and Monosulfidic Black Ooze (MBO), jointly described as Acid Sulfate 

Materials (ASM). The Guideline updates and replaces the RTA’s Acid Sulphate Soil 

Policies and Procedures (1995) and Acid Sulphate Soil Guidelines (1996). 

This Guideline is intended for use by RTA personnel, project consultants and 

contractors in conjunction with the NSW Acid Sulfate Soil Manual (ASSMAC 1998). 

The ASSMAC Manual is the overriding ASM management guideline in New South 

Wales. This Guideline applies information contained in the ASSMAC Manual 

specifically to RTA activities and management processes. The ASSMAC Manual 

contains additional guidance for issues such as laboratory methods, drainage, 

groundwater, and advice to industry that have not been covered in detail within this 

Guideline. 

The National Strategy for the Management of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils (1999) 

provides a definition for ASS that is repeated in most other ASS management 

publications: 

“Acid Sulfate Soil” is the common name given to naturally occurring soil and 

sediment containing iron sulfides, principally the mineral iron pyrite, or 

containing acidic products of the oxidation of sulfides. When sulfides are 

exposed to air, oxidation takes place and sulfuric acid is ultimately produced 

when the soil’s capacity to neutralize the acidity is exceeded. As long as the 

sulfide soils remain under the water table, oxidation cannot occur and the soils 

are quite harmless and can remain so indefinitely.” 

Although ASS is concentrated in coastal environments, there is potential for other ASM 

to have widespread distribution in the landscape. If disturbed, all forms of ASM can 

cause unacceptable environmental impacts, including acidification of waterways, major 

fish kills, habitat destruction, loss of agricultural productivity, geotechnical instability 

and corrosion of concrete and steel structures. 

The RTA is committed to best practice environmental management in all its activities. 

The recognition and sustainable management of ASM during road planning, 

construction and maintenance is an important element of the RTA’s procedures to 

achieve and maintain its position as a sound environmental manager. 

Table 1 summarises the nature, distribution and potential impacts of ASM. Additional 

information is provided in Sections 4.0 and 5.0. 


Table 1 - Characteristics of ASM 

Material Distribution Potential impacts 

ASS and Potential Acid 

Sulfate Soils (PASS) 

ASR 

Monosulfides and MBO 

Widespread in estuaries and 

coastal floodplains, 

backswamps and coastal 

wetlands. Inland ASS is rarer 

and may occur in combination 

with ASR and in soils derived 

from former marine sediments. 

Potentially in all sedimentary, 

metamorphic and igneous rock 

types associated with higher risk 

metalliferous ores, coal and 

sulfate/sulfide minerals. 

Drains and waterways in acid 

sulfate areas, saline areas 

(coastal, inland and urban). 

Discharges of very low pH (acidic) 

waters, biochemical barriers, fish 

kills, loss of habitat (scalding), 

loss of agricultural productivity, 

structural and engineering issues. 

Leachate affects concrete 

structures, road surfaces and 

road railings, potential 

destabilisation of fill. Potential 

habitat impacts. 

Rapid deoxygenation and 

acidification of waters, elevated 

release of heavy metals. Fish 

(and other fauna) kills. 

The Guideline has been prepared in consultation with RTA project management, 

technology and environmental personnel, to ensure that it takes into consideration the 

RTA’s extensive recent experience in the management of road construction and 

maintenance projects in areas affected by ASS and ASR. 

Who needs to use this Guideline 

The Guideline is relevant to both road construction projects and road maintenance 

projects that are part of the RTA’s responsibility. 

This guideline is intended for use by: 

• RTA project managers and construction staff under their supervision; 

• RTA environmental advisors and environmental officers who provide scientific and 

environmental advice to project managers; 

• RTA geotechnical engineers, design engineers and project engineers, responsible 

for the assessment of potential road routes, construction methods, construction 

materials and maintenance procedures; and 

• Professional service contractors to the RTA. 

RTA project managers should also require that project consultants and contractors 

document and implement these procedures when carrying out projects in ASS or ASR 

risk areas. This requirement is to be incorporated into each contract. 

When to use this Guideline 

This guideline should be used for all projects where there is potential to disturb ASM 

(ASS, sediments, MBO or ASR). 

The types of activities that may disturb or be affected by these materials include: 


• excavation of cuttings exposing ASR; 

• unintentional use of excavated ASR as fill material or for other road making 

purposes; 

• excavation in coastal floodplain and wetland areas. Excavation includes minor 

disturbance of soil for installation of signs and traffic signals, through to major 

earthworks; 

• building embankments across low strength swamp sediments; 

• dredging of coastal rivers (estuarine reaches) for roadmaking materials; 

• sinking bridge and roadworks piles; 

• importing materials for fill from areas of potential ASS; 

• lowering the water table by installing subsoil drains, deepening table drains or 

pumping water out of excavations in ASS areas. This is unlikely to have a 

significant impact on ASR; 

• raising the water table by filling in drains; 

• directing additional runoff onto adjacent properties so that enhanced drainage is 

required; and 

• maintenance activities as identified in RTA QA Specification G34 Environmental 

Protection Works (Management Plan), Annexure 3A – Road Maintenance 

Environmental Safeguard Matrix including the maintenance of road verges, road 

pavement and safety rails etc in ASS and ASR areas. 

Structure of the Document 

The RTA ASM Guideline contains three parts: 

• Part 1: Management Context; 

• Part 2: Management of ASM; and 

• Part 3: Glossary and Technical References. 

Part 1: Management Context 

Part 1 shows how this Guideline relates to the RTA’s environmental management 

system, including the RTA Environmental Policy and environmental management 

planning processes. Part 1 also includes the statutory and policy context of ASM 

management and introductory technical information about ASM and the risks they 

present to the environment. 


Part 2: Management of ASM 

Part 2 contains the procedural guidance on managing ASM. This includes guidance 

on the identification of ASM, environmental impact assessment, development of 

controls and treatments and ASM management planning. The ASM management 

requirements within each stage have been identified as a series of clear steps which 

indicate the extent of investigation, analysis and management controls that are 

necessary for effective management of ASM issues of all scales. The procedures 

reference relevant technical information such as the Acid Sulphate Soil Management 

Advisory Committee (ASSMAC) Manual and the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soils 

Investigation Team (QASSIT) Manual as necessary. 

Part 3: Technical References 

Part 3 contains a glossary of terms used in the assessment and management of Acid 

Sulfate Soil and rock materials. Part 3 also contains a full list of technical references 

which are either directly referred to in Parts 1 and 2 of the Guideline or are additional 

references which provide further information on ASS management. 

Technical Support 

This document is not principally a technical reference on the nature of ASS, ASR and 

MBO. Excellent technical information can be sourced in several State agency 

publications. Key technical references are: 

• Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee (ASSMAC) 1998. Ahern C R, 

Blunden B and Stone Y (eds). NSW Acid Sulfate Soil Manual; 

• NSW Acid Sulfate Soil risk maps and Acid Sulfate Soil planning maps are available 

from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources; 

• Queensland Acid Sulfate Soils Investigation Team (QASSIT), Department of 

Natural Resources, Resources Sciences Centre, Indooroopilly – Guidelines for 

Sampling and Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland. Ahern 

C R, Ahern M R and Powell B (1998a); and 

• QASSIT – Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual – Soil Management 

Guidelines Version 3.8 (2002) Authors: S E Dear, N G Moore, S K Dobbs, K M 

Watling and C R Ahern. 

The ASSMAC Manual was released in 1998 and is currently under consideration for 

review by NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources 

(DIPNR). The Queensland (QASSIT) Guidelines provide the most up-to-date manual 

at the national level, and where there is any difference, the Queensland Guideline is 

referred to in these procedures rather than the NSW (ASSMAC) Manual. It is 

anticipated that the review of the ASSMAC Manual will result in full consistency 

between the two documents. 

References to the current best technical information and to research that underpin 

current best practice are provided throughout the Guideline and summarised in Part 3 

of the Guideline. 

This guideline will be reviewed and updated to take into account of new legislative 

requirements and technical references as they emerge. 


PART 1 

Management Context 


1.0 RTA ASM Management Aim 

The RTA’s broad objective for the management of ASM during all aspects of its road 

network activities is noted below. 

The RTA will use best practical environmental procedures for its road 

network activities which involve potential acid sulfate environments or 

pyritic materials from these environments. 

Activities in acid sulfate or pyritic environments will be managed in a 

manner that minimises adverse impacts on the environment, achieves 

relevant water and sediment quality objectives and meets community 

expectations. 

Definitions of Terms in the Policy: 

Best practice environmental procedures means procedures that refer to and are 

consistent with the most recent policy and technical advice adopted by State 

agencies in Australia. 

Water quality and sediment quality objectives refer to the Australian and New 

Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000). Relevant objectives 

are noted in Appendix 1. 

Minimise adverse impacts on the environment means that the RTA will use due 

diligence to ensure that its activities are conducted in accordance with best practice 

procedures and national environmental standards. 

Meet community expectations refers to commitments made to the community during 

consultation about projects and/or referred to in consent conditions for road 

construction and maintenance projects. This may include water quality outcomes 

and ongoing information or consultation outcomes. Where no specific commitments 

to the community have been made, or consent conditions issued, the minimum 

requirement is to meet the commitments of our Environmental Policy. 

2.0 Management System Context of this Guideline 

This ASM Guideline is part of the RTA’s Environmental Management System. The 

ASM policy and procedures are part of the material developed at the corporate level 

to drive environmental protection measures at the directorate and business area 

level. 

The use of the Guideline by project managers and others involved in road 

construction and maintenance will underpin the RTA’s demonstration of due diligence 

and the adoption of best management practice in relation to ASM. 

The Guideline provides step-by-step procedures for the identification and 

management of risks associated with the presence of ASM in project areas. 

Understanding and familiarity with these procedures will contribute to the prevention 

of incidents such as increased acid leachate from RTA construction and maintenance 

projects. 


3.0 Statutory and Policy Context 

Numerous pieces of State and Federal legislation, as well as a number of 

environmental policies and strategies, must be taken into consideration when 

planning and implementing works in acid sulfate areas. A full list of current relevant 

legislation and policy, together with brief notes on how they apply to the RTA’s 

management of ASS, is provided in Appendix 2. 

4.0 Acid Sulfate Materials and Acid Sulfate impacts on the 

Environment and Structures 

This section presents basic technical information about ASS, ASR and MBO. 

Technical references are presented in Part 3. 

4.1 Acid Sulfate Soils 

ASS include “Actual ASS” and “Potential ASS” and both types may be found in one 

soil profile. 

Actual ASS are soils containing highly acidic soil horizons or layers, resulting from 

the oxidation of soil materials that are rich in iron sulfides. This oxidation produces 

hydrogen ions in excess of the sediment’s capacity to neutralise the acidity, resulting 

in soils of pH of 4 or less when measured in dry season conditions. These soils can 

usually be recognised by the presence of pale yellow mottles and coatings of jarosite. 

Potential ASS are soils which contain iron sulfides or sulfidic material which has not 

been exposed to air and oxidised. The field pH of these soils in their undisturbed 

state is usually 4 or more (and may be neutral or even slightly alkaline). 

ASS occurs predominantly on coastal lowlands, with elevations generally below 5 m 

Australian Height Datum (AHD). The NSW ASSMAC Manual notes that ASS are 

generally associated with the Holocene age (last 10,000 years) sediments deposited 

in specific conditions such as within mangrove areas, saltmarsh, floodplain 

backswamps, coastal flats, seasonal or permanent freshwater swamps that were 

once saline or brackish and open tidal waters such as the beds of coastal rivers or 

lakes. 

In NSW, maps of ASS distribution in the coastal zone were prepared by the then 

Department of Land and Water Conservation in 1998. NSW has approximately 4000 

square kilometres of ASS, with incidences reported from every estuary along the 

coast. 

Apart from acidification of pasture and waterways, the environmental consequences 

of drainage of ASS include discharge of waters with elevated concentrations of 

aluminium, iron and zinc. Hicks et al (2002) also report significant emissions of 

greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide from wetland 

drainage. 

4.1.1 Inland Acid Sulfate Soils 

Although ASS generally occur in and around estuarine floodplains in the coastal 

zone, they can also occur in inland environments. These “Inland Acid Sulfate 


Soils” have been described in studies by CSIRO, NSW DLWC and Southern Cross 

University. Inland ASS has been reported from locations in NSW (around Yass), 

Victoria, Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia (see Fitzpatrick 

Fritsch and Self 1996 and Fitzpatrick, Hudnall, Self and Naidu 1993). CSIRO 

suggests two possible origins for these pyrite rich sediments. Some areas have 

been marine sediments in the geological past, some may be from deposition of wind 

blown sediment containing pyrite, and some may come from groundwater contact 

with primary pyrite in the underlying geological strata (see Section 4.3 for information 

about ASR). Heavy metals in concentrations that are toxic to plants and animals 

may be released when these sediments are oxidised. 

In Western Australia, some peaty deposits associated with groundwater dependent 

wetlands (eg. on the Swan Coastal plain) are locally very sulfidic. They also contain 

high levels of arsenic and other heavy metals. pH values as low as 2.4 have been 

reported in groundwater down gradient from wetlands where these peat deposits 

have been drained. 

4.1.2 Other Coastal Acid Soils that are not Acid Sulfate 

Acidic soil and water conditions can occur in soils that do not contain iron sulfide 

sediments, but do contain organic acids (such as humic acid). The field pH of these 

soils is often 4-4.5, but they do not have the capacity to generate additional acidity 

due to oxidation. 

4.2 Monosulfidic Black Ooze 

Monosulfides are also known as acid volatile sulfur (ie. they release hydrogen sulfide 

when in contact with strong acid) and are also often characterised by high 

concentrations of heavy metals. 

Sullivan and Bush (2002) describe MBO as follows (p 14): 

“Monosulfidic Black Ooze (MBO) are gels (moisture contents usually >70%), 

black, often oily in appearance, greatly enriched in monosulfide (ie up to 27% 

compared to a maximum of 1% for estuarine sediments), high in organic 

matter (usually >10% organic carbon) and can form thick (ie >1 m 

accumulations in waterways (eg drains) within ASS landscapes… MBOs are 

easily mobilised during runoff events and can be distributed into rivers or if 

flooding occurs, distributed over surrounding landscapes… They have the 

capability to cause both severe acidification and/or severe deoxygenation of 

flood waters.” 

The formation of MBO needs a combination of acid sulfate runoff, carbon (eg from 

plants) and a low flow environment. This combination explains why they tend to be 

commonly found in drains in coastal ASS areas. Backwater areas that are 

periodically inundated by salt water are particularly prone to MBO accumulation. 

MBO can also form in inland areas where salinisation is occurring. 

MBO has been identified in the Macquarie Marshes wetlands, as well as in drains in 

inland areas affected by salinity (eg. Griffith, Cohuna, Waikerie). Recent work by 

Sullivan, Bush and Ward (Southern Cross University, reported in the University 

News) has revealed substantial changes to the ecology of freshwater systems, 

particularly in irrigated landscapes, due to sulfate salinisation. In the widespread 

areas where sulfate salinisation is occurring, sulfides occur as monosulfidic ooze, 


and as accumulation of monosulfide and pyrite. These monosulfidic sediments have 

the same acidification and deoxygenation potential as those associated with 

estuarine waterways. 

An important distinction between MBO and other ASM is that MBO may continue to 

form in drains, even after treatment, if conditions are favourable. This means that the 

presence of MBO presents an ongoing management and maintenance risk that may 

extend well beyond the road construction period. 

4.3 Acid Sulfate Rock 

ASR includes diverse lithologies that contain sulfide and sulfate minerals. Although 

the concentration of sulfide/sulfate minerals in most rocks is relatively low, elevated 

concentrations are associated with most ore deposits (metalliferous and coal). 

Geologists, engineers and environmental managers working in the mining industry 

have been aware for many years of the association of metalliferous ores and coal 

with concentrations of sulfate and sulfide minerals. Acid generation from mine 

wastes is a major environmental management issue for most sectors of the mining 

industry. 

More recently it has become apparent that the wider distribution of metal sulfide and 

sulfate minerals in geological units across the landscape also has potential to affect 

the environmental performance and structural integrity of other types of earthworks 

and construction. For instance, a high pyritic content is documented in sandstones in 

the lower part of the Sydney Basin (Permian units). 

ASR has only recently been identified as an issue during road construction projects 

in south eastern Australia. One of the factors contributing to the emergence of the 

issue is changing road design and scale of excavation or filling earthworks. For 

example, to maintain multi lane roads at low gradients, very deep cuttings may be 

required in steep terrain. This means that cuttings may intersect rock (in cuttings and 

as fill) that has previously been protected below the water table, so that opportunities 

for the oxidation of pyrite occur due to the road project. 

Reid et al (2001) provide an overview of the management risks associated with the 

presence of both sulfide and sulfate minerals in rocks that are disturbed during 

construction: 

“Sulfur compounds occur in a number of different forms in natural and 

artificial materials. In the reduced form, they occur as sulfides such as pyrite 

in a wide range of rocks and soils and less commonly as mineral ores of lead 

(galena), zinc (sphalerite) and other metals. These minerals generally have 

very low solubility and are not in themselves a hazard to construction 

materials. However, weathering of reduced sulfur species leads to the 

production of soluble sulfate minerals which may cause attack of 

construction materials. Weathering also often leads to an increase in acidity, 

which besides increasing the solubility of sulfates may also be involved in the 

corrosion of construction materials.” 

“However, much higher concentrations of sulfate can occur under acid 

conditions, or where unweathered materials with sulfides or soluble sulfate 

minerals are excavated and placed in spoil tips (as with mining waste) or 

used as structural backfills in civil engineering works. In both cases, the free 


access of air and water to the materials allows rapid oxidation of sulfide 

minerals and leaching of sulfates. This can lead to corrosion of construction 

materials and the production of leachate, which can pollute surface waters 

and groundwaters.” 

5.0 How does the presence of ASM affect the RTA’s 

environmental performance? 

The presence of these materials indicates potential risks to surface and groundwater 

quality, soil strength and stability, habitat character and agricultural productivity on 

adjoining lands. The presence of ASS or other sulfidic materials also presents 

design and materials challenges such as the selection of appropriate steel and 

concrete for acid risk environments, and the development of maintenance schedules 

for infrastructure in acid sulfate environments. 

A range of impacts associated with disturbance and oxidation of ASM (drawn 

principally from the literature on ASS) appears in Appendix 3. These include: 

• Aquatic and wetland/ terrestrial ecosystem impacts; 

• Release of heavy metals from contaminated soils; 

• Human and animal health; 

• Corrosion and structural damage to steel and concrete structures; 

• Soil structure and subsidence; 

• Soil erosion, clogging of aquifers and subsoil drains; and 

• Other impacts, issues and risks. 


PART 2 

Management of Acid Sulfate 

Materials 


6.0 Management Principles 

The Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual, Soil Management Guidelines 

(2002) provides a set of eight key management principles for dealing with ASS 

situations. These are noted in Table 6.1. These management principles are noted 

where relevant to each of the ASM management procedures in Section 7. 

Table 6.1 – Eight Key Management Principles for Dealing with ASS Situations 

1. The disturbance of ASS should be avoided wherever possible. 

2. Where disturbance of ASS is unavoidable, preferred management strategies are: 

- Minimisation of disturbance; 

- Neutralisation; 

- Hydraulic separation of sulfides either on its own or in conjunction with dredging; 

and 

- Strategic reburial (reinterment). 

Other management measures may be considered but must not pose unacceptably high 

risks. 

3. Works should only be performed when it has been demonstrated that the potential 

impacts of works involving ASS are manageable to ensure that the potential short and 

long term environmental impacts are minimised. 

4. The material being disturbed (including in situ ASS) and any potentially contaminated 

waters associated with ASS disturbance, must be considered in developing a 

management plan for ASS and/or complying with general environmental due diligence. 

5. Receiving marine, estuarine, fresh or brackish waters are not to be used as a primary 

means of diluting and/or neutralising ASS or associated contaminated waters. 

6. Management of disturbed ASS is to occur if the ASS Action criteria (noted in 

Attachment 1 to ASM Procedure No. 2 of the guidelines) is exceeded or reached. 

7. Stockpiling of untreated ASS above permanent ground water table with (or without) 

containment is not an acceptable long-term management strategy. For example, soils 

that are to be stockpiled, disposed of, used as fill, placed as a temporary or permanent 

cover on land or in waterways, sold or exported off the treatment site or used in earth 

bunds, that exceed the Action Criteria should be treated or managed (see Attachment 1 

to ASM Procedure No. 4). 

8. The following issues should be considered when formulating ASS management 

strategies: 

- the sensitivity and environmental values of the receiving environment. This 

includes the conservation, protected or other relevant status of the receiving 

environment (eg. Fish Habitat Area, Marine Park, or protected/threatened 

species); 

- whether ground waters and/or surface waters are likely to be directly or indirectly 

affected; 

- the heterogeneity, geochemical and textural properties of soil on site; and 

- the management and planning strategies of local government and/or state 

government, including Regional or Catchment Management Plans/Strategies and 

State and or Regional Coastal Policies/Plans 

ASSMAC 1998 describes a series of ASS mitigation and management strategies that 

were prepared jointly by NSW and Queensland State agency experts. These have 

been incorporated into Attachment 1 to ASM Procedure 4. 


7.0 RTA ASM Procedures 

Five main phases of project planning and implementation are identified in Table 7.1. 

This figure also summarises the steps in ASM management that must be included in 

each phase, and relevant procedures and reference material for each phase. 

The management of ASM by RTA personnel and contractors is required to be in 

accordance with four procedures which cover the conduct of RTA activities from route 

selection to operation and maintenance. 

• ASM Procedure No. 1: Identification of Acid Sulfate Materials; 

• ASM Procedure No. 2: Environmental Impact Assessment; 

• ASM Procedure No. 3: ASM Management Planning Process; and 

• ASM Procedure No. 4: Selection of ASM Controls. 

These procedures are presented in Sections 7.1 to 7.4, together with flow charts to 

show where decisions need to be made and how information feeds back through the 

procedure. It is important to note that these procedures are not stand-alone processes, 

but run concurrently and provide input into each other. 

An important component of effective ASM management is the communication of 

technical and management information between each phase of the project planning 

and implementation. 

Note: RTA projects are delivered with different contracting arrangements including 

Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) and Design Construct Maintain (DCM) schemes. 

Although the responsibility for managing each project phase may vary between 

projects, the procedures outlined in Part 2 of this Guideline are to apply irrespective of 

who the responsible party is. 




Table 7.1 - Overview of ASM management steps in road planning and construction 

Project Management Life Cycle 

Phase 1: 

Network analysis 

Identification and initial, 

broad “scoping” of 

proposed project(s) 

Development of 

overall strategy (route 

strategy or 

equivalent) 

Route 

Strategy 

(or 

equivalent) 

Phase 2: 

Option investigation 

Selection of preferred route/preferred option 

Initial project-specific 

studies and 

consultations (desktop 

research etc) to identify 

broad options 

Project 

Development 

Proposal 

(or 

equivalent) 

Determination of 

preferred route/ 

preferred broad 

option 

Preferred 

Option 

Report 

Phase 3: 

Design development and approval 

Concept design development and refinement, approvals and preparation of performance requirements for tender documentation 

Initial concept design 

for preferred option 

Initial 

Concept 

Design 

Report 

Refinement of 

concept design 

Concept 

Design 

Report 

and EIS 

or REF 

EIS or REF 

displayed, design 

responses to 

submissions 

Planning 

approval 

Concept design 

refinement and 

finalisation 

Final 

Concept 

Design 

Report 

Phase 4: 

Detailed design and implementation 

Detailed design and documentation and project delivery within agreed 

cost and time limits 

Tendering, detailed 

design and 

documentation, and 

land acquisitions 

Detailed 

design 

completed 

Construction 

Monitoring 

and review 

of 

performance 

Construction 

completed 

Handover 

Phase 5: 

Handover and operation 

Project 

opening 

Operation and 

maintenance 

ASM Management Steps 

• Preliminary identification of ASM 

• Preliminary risk assessment 

• Feedback / Consider in project design 

• Review preliminary assessment results and risk analysis from project design stage 

• Review project design 

• Detailed identification of ASM 

• Environmental impact assessment 

• Preliminary identification of controls 

• Obtain development consent 

• Review EIA, development consent and any other 

approvals, project design 

• Obtain any further relevant licences and approvals 

• Detailed design of ASM controls 

• Conduct detailed risk assessment 

• Identify community consultation requirements for 

construction stage 

• Develop ASM Management Plan 

• Communicate / provide Management Plan to contractor 

• Conduct required training / communicate ASM 

Management Plan 

• Implement ASM controls / treatments as specified 

in Management Plan 

• Review Management Plan and other 

relevant records from construction stage 

• Prepare information for inclusion in the 

Maintenance Plan or the OEMP 

• Implement ongoing maintenance 

requirements as detailed in the 


• Conduct inspections, audits, monitoring 

and reporting as detailed in the 

Management or Maintenance Plan 

• Review inspection and monitoring results 

• Consider performance/effectiveness of 

controls/ treatments in past projects in 

design of future controls 

• Conduct inspections and monitoring and relevant 

reporting as specified in Management Plan 

• Conduct community consultation as required in the 


• Handover to Road Operation and Maintenance 

Refer to RTA 

policy for ASS 

management 

throughout its 

road network 

ASM Procedure 1 



ASM Guideline 


ASM Management Plan 

RTA QA G34 / G35 / G36 

RTA EIA Guidelines 

Community Involvement Practice Notes and Resource Manual



7.1 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 1: Identification of Acid Sulfate 

Material 

Application: 

Applies to the identification of Acid Sulfate Material (including Acid Sulfate Soils [ASS], Potential 

ASS [PASS], Acid Sulfate Rock [ASR] and Monosulfidic Black Ooze [MBO]) during both road 

network planning (preliminary) and environmental impact assessment phases (detailed) of road 

infrastructure planning. The procedure is also relevant to the preparation of environmental 

management plans for both small and large scale works. This procedure applies to all RTA 

activities undertaken by RTA personnel and/or contractors engaged by the RTA to undertake 

activities on their behalf. 

Management Principles: 

Identification of the occurrence of ASM where it may be impacted by proposed works. 

Utilise a phased approach to identify and quantify potential risks. 

Responsibility: 

Project Manager, Road Network Planner, Environmental staff, and geotechnical personnel. 

Inputs: 

Base data – geochemical information that may help establish the possible presence of ASM. 

PROCESS 

Actions 

Stage 1: Preliminary Identification of ASM (to be undertaken during Options Investigation 

or Environmental Impact Assessment). 

1. Conduct desktop review of available information to identify and document potential ASS 

risk areas which may include: 

• Review ASS Risk maps developed by the Department of Land and Water Conservation 

(1998); 

• Identify any areas less than 10 m above mean sea level; 

• Identify any wetland areas; 

• Determine if the site has alluvial or estuarine sediments; 

• Vegetation types including mangroves, paperbarks, swamp oak, reeds, rushes or other 

marine or swamp tolerant vegetation; 

• Presence of scalded soil surfaces; 

• Review results of any soil/water/rock testing previously carried out in area; and 

• Store data for later reference. 


Actions 

2. Conduct desktop review of available information to identify and document potential ASR 

risk areas including: 

• Review geology maps to identify rock types containing metal sulfides or sulfates and 

coal bearing deposits. In most cases petrological studies will be required to confirm 

risks associated with ASR; 

• Identification of ASR is not clear cut. Some geotechnical investigation is required, 

including drilling and sampling of fresh unoxidised rock; and 

• Review results of any soil/water/rock testing previously carried out in area (include 

review of results of any previous testing for RTA projects in the area). 

3. Consult relevant agencies (Local Council, NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and 

Natural Resources and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation) and land 

owners about their knowledge of ASS and ASR on the subject land. 

4. Conduct a field inspection to examine the area for field indicators of ASS or ASR as 

outlined in Section 4.4 of the RTA ASM Guideline. Note; there is potential for ASR to be 

overlooked if no fieldwork is undertaken. 

5. Document results on a map and accompanying briefing paper showing; 

• areas assessed, and 

• known or potential ASS and ASR identified in road network planning study area. 

6. If no actual or potential ASS or ASR is identified then no further action is required and 

results are reported in the environmental impact assessment. If actual or potential ASS or 

ASR is identified then proceed to Procedure 1 Stage 2. 

Stage 2: Detailed Identification of ASS and ASR (to be undertaken during the Design 

Development and Approval phase). Note; it is recommended that ASM 

investigations be undertaken at the earliest stage of project development. 

Detailed identification of ASM could be undertaken post EIA, where the EIA 

references the potential of ASM and identifies that further investigations are 

required prior to proceeding with the Proposal. 

1. Review Stage 1 results. 

2. Establish whether the site to be disturbed is considered minor or major. 

• Minor – disturbing less than 1000 tonnes of soil, non-linear [spatially confined] and does 

not affect groundwater – Proceed to Action 3. 

• Major – disturbing greater 1000 tonnes of soil, linear pattern [not spatially confined] and 

affects groundwater – Proceed to Action 4. 

3. Conduct at site sampling for minor disturbances. 

• Test substrates to be disturbed in accordance with: 

- Section 6, Qld Govt., 2002, State Planning Policy 2/02 Guideline – Planning and 

Managing Development involving ASS. For ASR it is important to test unoxidised 

material. 

4. Sampling for all major disturbances to be undertaken by appropriately qualified personnel in 

accordance with the following guidelines: 

• ASS – Ahern, C R, Ahern, M R & Powell, B, 1998, Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis 

of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland 1998; 


• ASR – Reid, J M, Czerewko, M A & Cripps, J C, 2001, Sulfate Specification for 

Structural Backfills; and 

• Groundwater – Section 7, Qld Govt., 2002, State Planning Policy 2/02 Guideline – 

Planning and Managing Development involving ASS. 

5. Document results in a detailed report including: 

• description of methods and sampling regime; 

• sampling results; 

• mapping of ASS and ASR constraints; 

• analysis of level of risk (environmental, structural etc.) associated with disturbance of 

each area; and 

• description of required treatments, controls and management strategies to address 

ASS and ASR issues. 

Outputs: 

• Stage 1 Outputs: 

- A map and accompanying briefing paper. 

• Stage 2 Outputs: 

- Detailed report. 


ASM Procedure No. 1: Identification of Acid Sulfate Material 

Stage 1: Preliminary Identification of ASM 

Inputs 

Inputs 

Consultation with 

Government Agencies & 

local landowners where 

applicable 

Routes for Proposed Road identified 

Consultation with 

Government Agencies & 

local landowners where 

applicable 

Geology maps 

DLWC (DIPNR) ASS maps 

Previous soil/rock/water 

sample results in the area 

Identify PASR 

(rock) risk areas 

Identify PASS risk 

areas 

Areas

ASM Procedure No. 1: Identification of Acid Sulfate Material 

Stage 2: Detailed Identification of ASM 

Inputs 

Results from preliminary 

ASM identification 

process 

Project design identified and 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

commenced 

Inputs 

Project design 

Is the 

disturbance 

considered 

minor? 

Yes 

Test substrates in accordance with 

Section 6 Queensland 

Government 2002, State Planning 

Policy 2/02 Guideline – Planning 

and Managing Development 

involving ASS 

No 

Sample in 

accordance with: 

ASS: Ahern, Ahern 

& Powell, 1998, 

Guidelines for 

Sampling and 

Analysis of Lowland 

ASS in Queensland. 

ASR: see Reid et al 

2001, and also 

criteria in 

Attachment 1 to 

Procedure No. 2. 

Groundwater: 

Section 7, 

Queensland 

Government, 2002, 

State Planning 

Policy 2/20 

Guideline – Planning 

and Managing 

Development 

involving ASS. 

Document results for use in 

ASM Procedure No. 2 


ASM Procedure No. 1 – Attachment 1 

Action criteria for management intervention – ASM 

Recognising ASM in the Field – Preliminary Indicators 

The following are preliminary indicators of ASS that may be observed during initial site 

inspections. 

White and Melville (2000) highlight ten preliminary indicators of ASS that may be 

observed during initial site inspections. These are noted below, together with some 

broad indicators of ASM noted in the Queensland Guidelines. ARUP Geotechnics (pers 

comm.) and the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (1999) provide some field 

indicators of the presence of actual ASR. Where an indicator also relates to ASR, it is 

noted below: 

• for ASS, surface elevation of less than ten metres above mean sea level (with a 

higher risk below five metres above mean sea level). Most commonly, these will be 

associated with coastal wetlands or backswamp areas, interdune swales etc.); 

• soils and sediments of recent (Holocene and modern) age; 

• areas where the dominant vegetation is tidally affected eg. mangroves, marine 

couch, saline scalds or swamp tolerant reeds, rushes and grasses (eg. Phragmites 

australis), paperbarks (eg. Melaleuca spp) and she oak (Casuarina spp). In inland 

areas, the dominance of acid tolerant vegetation is an indicator of ASR, or of areas 

undergoing sulfate salinisation; 

• scalded or bare low lying areas (note that scalding may be due to saline conditions 

as well as acid conditions); 

• acid surface waters, drain, stream or groundwater with pH less than 4. ARUP 

Geotechnics (pers comm) suggest that surface water pH of less than 4.5 (in 

elevated inland areas) is also an indicator of ASR; 

• acidic soil, which when saturated has pH less than 4. Surface soil in inland areas 

with pH less than 4 may also indicate the presence of ASR, however MBO usually 

have a pH greater than 4; 

• unusually clear or milky green drain water coming from or within a site. This is 

indicative of both ASS and ASR; 

• a sulfurous smell after rains following a dry spell or when the soil is disturbed; 

• extensive iron stains on drain surfaces or stream banks, or iron stained drain water 

and orange red ochre deposits in and around drains and streams; 

• pale yellow surface encrustations or nodules (jarosite) on soil clods or on spoil 

heaps left exposed after dredging or excavation. Surface encrustations of jarosite 

may also occur due to the presence of ASR; 


• augered soil or excavated pits indicating any pale yellow or orange red iron oxide 

deposits in fissures and old root channels or iron oxide mottling. This is also an 

indicator of ASR, but note that jarosite is not always found in Actual ASR or ASS; 

• excessive corrosion or etching of concrete and/or steel structures exposed to 

ground and drainage waters, or rapid corrosion of fresh steel in or on the soil. 

Corrosion of concrete or steel structures is also indicative of the presence of ASR; 

• presence of sulphide minerals (pyrite) in rock outcrops or drill samples. In fresh 

exposures, these may have a shiny or metallic appearance, but they may appear 

tarnished or rusty in weathered samples/exposures; 

• presence of significant concentrations of sulfide minerals, in rocks with a low 

presence of potentially neutralising carbonates; 

• areas identified in geological descriptions or in maps as bearing sulfide minerals, 

coal deposits, or marine shales/sediments (the scale of these maps means that this 

information will generally need to be checked in the field). In addition, the presence 

of pyrite will generally require a detailed petrological investigation; 

• deep older estuarine sediments below ground surfaces of either Holocene or 

Pleistocene age (where deep excavation or drainage is proposed); 

• blue-grey, blue-green or grey waterlogged soils which smell of rotten egg gas; and 

• black, organic gels in drains, pH less than 4, with a slightly oily appearance (MBO). 



Action criteria for management intervention – ASS 

The Queensland ASS Technical Manual, Soil Management Guidelines presents Soil 

Action Criteria. These are presented in the following Table. The Soil Action Criteria 

consider soils according to their texture (texture class and approximate clay content) 

and the combined existing and potential acidity of the material. Action criteria also take 

into account the volume of soil to be disturbed (greater or less than 1000 tonnes). 

Texture-based Acid Sulfate Soil action criteria (after Ahern et al. 1998a) 

Type of Material 

Texture range 

(McDonald et al. 

1990) 

Coarse texture 

Sands to loamy 

sands 

Medium texture 

Sandy loams to 

light clays 

Fine texture 

Medium to heavy 

clays and silty 

clays 

Approx clay 

content (%) 

Action Criteria if 1 to 1000 

tonnes of material is 

disturbed 

Existing + Potential Acidity 

Equivalent 

sulphur (%S) 

(oven-dry 

basis) 

Equivalent 

acidity (mol 

H + /tonne) (ovendry 

basis) 

Action Criteria if more than 

1000 tonnes of material is 

disturbed 

Existing + Potential Acidity 

Equivalent 

sulphur (%S) 

(oven-dry 

basis) 

Equivalent 

acidity (mol 

H +/ tonne) 

(oven-dry 

basis) 

= 5 0.03 18 0.03 18 

5 – 40 0.06 36 0.03 18 

= 40 0.1 62 0.03 18 

Oven-dried basis means dried in a fan-forced oven at 80° - 85°C for 48 hours. 

Note that the action criteria refer to existing plus potential acidity for given volumes of 

ASS. The highest result(s) should always be used to assess if the relevant action 

criteria level has been met or exceeded; using the average or mean of a range of 

results is not appropriate. This issue is discussed in the Sampling Guidelines. 

Note: If a soil shows evidence of self-neutralising or self-buffering eg. Titratable 

Potential Acidity (TPA) = 0 and the acid neutralising capacity (ANC) > 5% using 

equivalent units, then a case may be made for reduced or no treatment (see ASS Tip 

14 of the Queensland ASS Technical Manual, Soil Management Guidelines on selfneutralising 

soils). 

Acid Rock Criteria from Victorian EPA and Environment Australia 

These criteria relate to tests for Net Acid Producing Potential (NAPP) and Net Acid 

Generation (NAG). These tests require the rock sample to be crushed to a paste. The 

number of samples required will depend on the geological complexity of the area and 

the likelihood that pyrite minerals occur in the geological sequence. 


Victorian EPA Criteria for Acid Sulfate Rock 

(EPA Victoria 1999) 

Final Net Acid Generation 

Net Acid Generation Value 

(kg H 2 S0 4 /tonne) 

Net Acid Producing 

Potential (kg H 2 S0 4 /tonne) 

5 positive 

Environment Australia Criteria for Acid Sulfate Rock 

(EA 1997) 

Classification NAPP Final NAG pH Saturated Paste 

pH 

Potentially acid 

forming 

Positive 4 or lower 4 

High level of 

soluble 

constituents 

(indicative of 

oxidation) 

Electrical 

conductivity 

(dS/m) 

>2 


7.2 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 2: Environmental Impact 

Assessment 

Application: This procedure applies to all RTA environmental impact assessments (EIA) 

undertaken by RTA personnel, consultants or contractors. 


For all proposed RTA activities (including maintenance activities) an EIA is to be undertaken in 

accordance with the RTA EIA Guidelines and ASSMAC Manual Assessment Guidelines. 

To identify the environmental aspects and impacts of RTA activities such that environmental 

impacts can be minimised. 

Risks should be fully identified, quantified and documented. 

Risk should be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable taking into account technological 

and economic constraints. Avoid or minimise disturbance of ASM where practical. 


Project Manager, Environmental staff, Environmental Assessment Team or Contractors. 

Inputs: 

Base data, including GIS/mapping data, criteria for ASS/PASS etc. 

Conceptual design details. 

Outputs of ASM Procedure No. 1. 

PROCESS 

Actions 

1. Determine if known or potential ASM are present at proposed activity site by undertaking a 

Preliminary Identification of ASM in accordance with ASM Procedure No. 1: Identification 

of ASM – Stage 1. 

2. If ASM are present conduct Preliminary Risk Assessment to identify the risk to the 

environment of the RTA activity in relation to ASM. Document results to be considered in 

project design decisions, otherwise undertake EIA in accordance with RTA EIA 

Guidelines. 

3. Risk assessments are to consider potential impacts on: 

• surface waters; 

• groundwater (including licensed groundwater users); 

• flora and fauna; 

• agriculture; 

• soil structure and subsequent impacts on infrastructure stability; 

• infrastructure integrity (corrosion etc.); and 

• community and government agency perceptions. 

4. Undertake a detailed identification of ASM in accordance with ASM Procedure No. 1: 


Actions 

Identification of Acid Sulfate Materials – Stage 2. 

5. Identify and assess the level of impact of activity on site and surrounding environment 

giving consideration to: 

• results of the identification process; 

• preliminary risk assessment results; 

• design considerations (all RTA activities including avoidance); 

• existing environment; 

• maximum possible quantity and concentration of leachate from ASM based on the 

worst case scenario; 

• potential impact of ASM as outlined in RTA ASS Guidelines Section 5.0 including 

surface waters, groundwater, flora and fauna, agriculture, soil structure and 

subsequent impacts on infrastructure stability, infrastructure integrity and community 

and government relations; and 

• cumulative impacts and other indirect environmental impacts such as increased 

salinity in the soil and water quality. 

Further guidance on the assessment of the level of the impact is contained in the 

ASSMAC Manual, Section 7.3(c) Assessment of Potential Impacts. 

6. Identify the outcomes required and detail management commitments: 

• to meet all relevant water quality requirements for water within or adjacent to the 

project area; 

• to treat or manage ASM to ensure it will not impact on infrastructure structural 

integrity; and 

• to treat ASM to allow effective rehabilitation of areas disturbed by 

construction/maintenance works. 

7. Document EIA process and outcome in REF or EIS as required by RTA EIA Guidelines. 

Attachment 1 to this procedure provides guidance on the structure and content of the 

REF/EIS. The level of detail required will be relative to the assessed level of ASM impact. 

Outputs: 

Preliminary Risk Assessment Documentation 

EIA Documentation (REF or EIS). This information will support the preparation of an ASM 

Management Plan (ASM Procedure No. 3). 


ASM Procedure No. 2: Environmental Impact Assessment 

Inputs 

Are actual/ 

potential 

ASM 

present? 

Yes 

No 

Preliminary ID of ASM (ASM 

Procedure No. 1 – Stage 1) 

No further action 

required. Continue as 

required by the RTA 

EIA Guidelines. 

Environmental Impact Assessment to Detailed Design Concept Design 

Conduct preliminary Risk Assessment 

Did the 

preliminary 

Risk 

Assessment 

locate ASM? 

Yes 

Consider preliminary identification and Risk 

Assessment information in project design 

Conduct detailed identification of ASM 

(ASM Procedure No. 1 – Stage 2) 

Identify and assess impact of activity on 

environment in relation to ASM 

Identify opportunities to avoid or minimise 

disturbance of ASM 

Identify the outcomes required and detail 

management commitments 

Determine the proposed conceptual 

environmental management process to be 

adopted 

Document process/outcome of EIA in REF or 

EIS 

No 

No further action 

required. Continue as 

required by the RTA 

EIA Guidelines. 

Detailed identification of 

ASM (ASM Procedure 

No. 1 – Stage 2) 

Project Description 

Design Considerations 

Existing Environment 

RTA ASM Guidelines S.4 & 5 

Cumulative Impacts 

ASSMAC Manual S.7.3(c) 

Obtain approval in accordance with RTA EIA 

Guidelines 



Issues to be addressed in an ASM REF or EIS 

1.0 PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION 

• Note the presence of actual or potential ASM. 

• Description of works to be undertaken including excavation/drainage/filling. 

2.0 CONCEPT STAGE 

• Include preliminary ASM identification and preliminary risk assessment in 

substantiating why preferred option has been adopted. 

3.0 DETAILED ASSESSMENT STAGE 

• Description of design considerations – include design features relevant to control 

and management of ASM, such as drains, construction process, additional borrow 

material – unexpected geotechnical conditions. 

• Description of site and surroundings: 

- geology and soils, actual or potential ASM as determined by ASM Procedure 

No. 1: Identification of ASM; and 

- identify the environmental sensitivity of land adjacent to the project site. 

• Description of potential environmental impacts and the level of impact. 

4.0 IMPLEMENTATION STAGE 

• Identify the outcomes required and management commitments devised by ASM 

Procedure No. 4: Identification of ASM Controls. 

• Description of the conceptual environmental management process to be 

undertaken once activity is approved as determined by ASM Procedure No. 3: 

Management Planning Process. 

• Include details of contingency measures proposed in the event of failure of 

proposed control measures and management strategies, or identification of 

unexpected ASM issues. 

• Measures to address non-conformances against the ASM Management Plan. 

• Include project review and ongoing monitoring that may be required and matters 

that may require ongoing maintenance. 


5.0 OUTCOMES AND JUSTIFICATION 

If applicable, include any ASM matters that affect major biophysical, social or economic 

project outcomes. 


7.3 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 3: ASM Management Planning 

Process 

Application: 

The ASM Management Planning Process is required to be implemented for projects that are 

identified as impacting on known or potential ASM. The management plan specifies the 

controls that must be implemented and the specific issues for each project. The ASM 

Management Plan will form part of the Contractors Environmental Management Plan and 

Project Environment Management Plan. 


Works should be performed in accordance with best practice environmental management to 

ensure that the potential short and long term environmental impacts are minimised. 

Where disturbance of ASS, MBO or ASR is unavoidable, preferred management strategies 

include minimisation of disturbance. 

The material being disturbed (including in situ ASM) and any potentially contaminated waters 

associated with ASM disturbance, must be considered when developing a management plan for 

ASM. 

Management of disturbed ASS is to occur if the ASS Action Criteria (see Attachment 1 to ASM 

Procedure No. 1) of the guidelines is exceeded or reached. 

Risks should be fully identified, quantified and documented. 

Risk should be reduced to a low as reasonably practicable taking into account technological and 

economic constraints. 


Project Manager, Environmental staff, Asset Manager, Contractor. 

Inputs: 

• Information from the Environmental Impact Assessment process (refer to ASM Procedure 

No. 2). 

• ASS and ASR controls identified in accordance with ASM Procedure No. 4. 

• Community consultation strategy information developed in accordance with the RTA 

Community Involvement Practice Notes and Resource Manual. 

Process: 

Actions 

1. Identify legal requirements relating to ASM including (as applicable): 

• ASM management objectives and performance targets; 

• Conditions of Approval; 

• DEC Environment Protection Licence conditions; and 

• Conditions of other permits/licences/approvals. 


Actions 

2. Identify potential ASM impacts and implement outcomes and commitments documented in 

the Environmental Impact Assessment as part of the detailed design process. Describe in 

detail the management strategies to be included in the ASM Management Plan for both 

construction and operation. 

3. Conduct Detailed Risk Assessment to identify the risk to the environment of the activity in 

relation to ASM in accordance with the RTA Risk Management Manual and document 

results to be considered in detailed design. 

Risk assessments are to consider potential impacts on: 

• surface waters; 

• groundwater (including licensed groundwater users); 

• flora and fauna; 

• agriculture; 

• soil structure and subsequent impacts on infrastructure stability; 

• infrastructure integrity (corrosion etc.); and 

• community and government agency perceptions. 

Further details on how ASM impacts on the above parameters can be found in Section 5 

and Appendix 3 of this Guideline. 

The following should also be considered: 

• the level of residual risk associated with each potential impact (refer to list in Stage 1 

process above) with the proposed controls and/or management strategies in place; 

• the risk of controls and/or management strategies not being properly implemented and 

any required management measures; 

• the risk of failure of the proposed controls and any required contingency measures; 

• the performance/effectiveness of controls/treatments on past projects; and 

• the risk that construction materials imported to the site (e.g. gravels) are impacted by 

ASM. 

4. Identify monitoring, inspection and auditing requirements relating to ASM for the 

construction and maintenance phases, in accordance with the outcomes of the 

Environmental Impact Assessment phase and risk assessments. Monitoring, inspection 

and auditing requirements may include: 

• water quality monitoring; 

• inspections of ASM storage and containment practices; 

• inspection of ASM treatment/management practices; 

• monitoring of the effectiveness of ASM treatments (eg. pH and acid generating 

potential of treated ASM); 

• auditing the effectiveness of design controls to address ASM; and 

• auditing the effectiveness of contractor management of ASM. 

5. Identify any project specific training needs in relation to ASM in accordance with the 

outcomes of the Environmental Impact Assessment phase and risk assessments. 

6. Identify community consultation needs for the construction and maintenance phases of the 

project in accordance with the RTA Community Involvement Practice Notes and Resource 

Manual. 


Actions 

7. Develop a project ASM Management Plan to address the construction phase and provide 

input into operational management and maintenance. The Plan is to address all the above 

actions and is to include contingency measures. A generic list of issues to be addressed in 

the ASM Management Plan is included as Attachment 1 to ASM Procedure No. 3. 

However, it is important that each ASM Management Plan provides detailed guidance on 

site-specific issues. 

8. Implement ASM Management Plan. 

9. On completion of the construction phase, the ASM management details are to be included 

in the Project Completion Report (refer to Section 9.9.3 of the RTA Environmental Impact 

Assessment Policy, Guidelines, Procedures). Issues to be detailed include: 

• details of compliance with the ASM Management Plan and any legal requirements (e.g. 

Conditions of Approval); 

• details of any unforeseen issues and contingency measures implemented; and 

• an assessment of the effectiveness of ASM treatments/management strategies and 

implications that this may have for other projects (i.e. a description of ‘lessons learnt’). 

10. The relevant components of the ASM Management Plan and any additional details from 

Action 9 above are handed over to the RTA Regions’ Asset Management section. 

Outputs: 

• Detailed Risk Assessment documentation. 

• ASM Management Plan (refer to Action 7). 

• ASM management details to be included in the Project Completion Report (refer to Action 

9). 

• Relevant details of ASM Management Plan to be used by Regional Asset Managers (refer 

to Action 10). 


ASM Procedure No. 3: ASM Management Planning Process 

Inputs 

ASM management objectives 

and performance targets 

Planning Approval 

Identify legal requirements relating to ASM 

Environment Protection Licence 

Other permits/licenses/approvals 

EIA Documentation 

Detailed Design and Preparation for Construction 

Detailed identification of ASM controls 

Conduct Detailed Risk Assessment 

Is risk 

acceptable? 

Yes 

Identify monitoring, inspection and auditing 

requirements for construction and operation 

Identify training needs 

No 

Identify community consultation requirements in 

accordance with the RTA Community 

Involvement Practice Notes and Resource 

Manual 

ASM Procedure No. 4 - Selection 

of ASM controls 

Develop a site specific ASM Management Plan 

Construction 

Implement ASM Management Plan 

Prepare Project Completion Report, including 

ongoing ASM management requirements 

Completion of 

Construction 

Handover to Operation 

Operation & 

Maintenance 

Prepare management strategies for inclusion in 

the Operational Environmental Management 

Plan or relevant maintenance schedule 

Performance 

Monitoring & 

Feedback 

Periodically review performance of ASM 

controls 


ASM Procedure No. 3 - Attachment 1 

Issues to be addressed in an ASM Management Plan 

1.0 Background 

• Description of ASM outcomes and commitments from the EIA phase. 

• Description of legal requirements including project specific requirements (eg. 

Conditions of Approval) and where they are addressed in the Plan. 

2.0 Objectives and Performance Targets 

• Purpose of the Management Plan. 

• Any appropriate water quality objectives, or other objectives required by consent 

conditions. 

3.0 Description of ASM Aspects and Impacts 

• Detailed description and assessment of ASM aspects and impacts determined as 

part of the detailed design phase. 

4.0 Controls and Management Strategies 

• Detailed description of proposed control measures and management strategies for 

the project. 

5.0 Contingency measures 

• Details of contingency measures proposed in the event of failure of proposed 

control measures and management strategies or identification of greater than 

expected ASM issues. 

• Measures to address non-conformances against the ASM Management Plan. 

6.0 Training 

• Details of any project specific training requirements in relation to ASM. 

7.0 Consultation 

• Outline of proposed ASM consultation program at different phases of the project. 


8.0 Monitoring and Auditing 

• Physical monitoring requirements (water, soil, rock etc.) 

• Audit of detailed design as it relates to ASM. 

• Construction phase inspection requirements (material handling and treatment). 

• Audit of ASM management practices (against Management Plan requirements). 

9.0 Communication and Reporting 

• Identification of key communication channels utilised by the Management Plan. 

• Summary of reporting requirements relating to ASM management. 

10.0 Responsibility 

• Summary of responsibilities for implementation of the management plan. 

11.0 Resources 

• Summary of resources required for the implementation of the management plan. 


7.4 Acid Sulfate Material Procedure No. 4: Selection of ASM Controls 

Attachment 1 to ASM Procedure No. 1 provides guidance when intervention is necessary to 

reduce risks associated with Acid Sulfate Materials. 

Attachment 1 to ASM Procedure No. 4 provides guidance on a range of ASM management 

strategies. 

Attachment 2 to ASM Procedure No. 4 provides guidance on lime application rates to treat 

ASM. 

All three of these attachments are drawn from the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical 

Manual - Soil Management Guidelines, version 3.8 (2002) 

Application: 

This procedure provides guidance for determining appropriate ASM controls and management 

strategies during both the EIA phase (conceptual) and the detailed design phase (detailed). It is 

envisaged that in most cases this process will be implemented by personnel who are 

appropriately qualified and experienced in dealing with ASM management. This procedure 

applies to all RTA activities undertaken by the RTA personnel and/or contractors engaged by 

RTA to undertake activities on their behalf. 


The disturbance of ASM should be avoided wherever possible. 

Where disturbance of ASM is unavoidable, preferred management strategies are: 

• minimisation of disturbance; 

• neutralisation; 

• hydraulic separation of sulfides either on its own or in conjunction with dredging; and 

• strategic reburial (reinterment). 

Other management measures may be considered but must not pose unacceptably high risks. 

Works should be performed in accordance with best practice environmental management when 

it has been demonstrated that the potential impacts of works involving ASS are manageable to 

ensure that the potential short and long term environmental impacts are minimised. 

Receiving marine, estuarine, fresh or brackish waters are not to be used as a primary means of 

diluting and/or neutralising ASS or associated contaminated waters. 

Stockpiling of untreated ASS above permanent ground water table with (or without) 

containment is not an acceptable long-term management strategy. For example, soils that are 

to be stockpiled, disposed of, used as fill, placed as a temporary or permanent cover on land or 

in waterways, sold or exported off the treatment site or used in earth bunds, that exceed the 

Action Criteria should be treated or managed (see Attachment 1 to ASM Procedure No. 4). 

The following issues should be considered when formulating ASM management strategies: 

• the sensitivity and environmental values of the receiving environment; 

• whether ground waters and/or surface waters are likely to be directly or indirectly affected; 

• the heterogeneity, geochemical and textural properties of soil on site; and 

• the management and planning strategies of local government and/or state government, 

including Regional or Catchment Management Plans/Strategies and State and or Regional 

Coastal Policies/Plans. 



Project Manager, Environmental Officer, Contractors. 

Inputs: 

• Project design details (either conceptual or detailed depending on phase of project). 

• Details of ASM present in the study area based on detailed report prepared in accordance 

with ASM Procedure 1. 

• Results from preliminary risk assessment completed in accordance with ASM Procedure 2 

and detailed risk assessment described in ASM Procedure 3. 

Process: 

Actions 

1. Identify control options (refer to ASM Procedure No. 4 – Attachment 1). 

2. Select most appropriate control option taking into account: 

• scale of project; 

• environmental impacts; 

• engineering impacts; 

• costs; 

• residual risk; and 

• performance/effectiveness of controls used on past projects. 

3. Determine monitoring requirements for each control option (including pre-disturbance 

monitoring as appropriate), as per ASSMAC 1998, Chapter 6.4. 

4. Document the proposed control options in detail, including: 

• identifying the particular material targeted by that treatment/management option; 

• providing sufficient detail for the treatment/management option to achieve practical 

implementation (eg. rates of lime per tonne of material to achieve neutralisation); 

• a description of any limitations of the proposed treatment/management option; 

• a description of monitoring requirements; 

• a description of performance targets so that success can be assessed (eg. target pH of 

treated ASS); and 

• contingency measures in the event that monitoring shows that the selected 

treatment/management options are ineffective (refer to ASSMAC 1998, Chapter 6.5). 

Outputs: 

• A detailed ASM control proposal report outlining the information specified in Action 4 

above, to be included in REF or EIS (refer to ASM Procedure No. 2) and the ASM 

Management Planning Process (ASM Procedure No. 3). 


ASM Procedure No. 4: Selection of ASM Controls 

Inputs 

Project design details 

Identification of options for control of ASM in 

accordance with ASM Procedure No. 4 - 

Attachment 1 

Results of ASM identification 

process (ASM 

Procedure No. 1) 

Results from preliminary risk 

assessment undertaken in 

accordance with ASM 

Procedure No. 2 

Select most appropriate control considering 

environmental, engineering, cost and 

residual risk implications 

Options listed in 

Attachment 1 to ASM 

Procedure No. 4) 

Ensure compliance with 

commitment in EIA, 

Environment Protection 

Licence Consent Conditions 

etc 

Determine monitoring requirements for 

controls 

Document the controls in the 

ASM Control Proposal Report to 

be included in REF or EIS 

(see ASM Procedure No. 2) 

Document the controls in the 

ASM Management Plan 

documentation 

(see ASM Procedure No. 3) 



Acid Sulfate Soil Controls 

The management strategies/treatment options outlined below are adopted from the 

Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual – Soil Management Guidelines Version 

3.8 (Dear, S E, Moore, N G, Dobos, S K, Watling, KM and Ahern, C.R., 2002), with 

other secondary references included as appropriate. The Queensland ASS Technical 

Manual is the most up to date State government technical reference. It is anticipated 

that the NSW ASSMAC Guidelines, currently being reviewed and updated, will be 

consistent with the Queensland guidelines. 

In order of preference: 

Management/Treatment 

Strategy 

Avoidance Strategies 

Planning to avoid ASS 

Brief Description Limitations References 

Avoidance of ASS in 

all cases is the 

preferred option. 

It is unlikely that this will 

be a viable option for 

most infrastructure 

projects. 

Chapter 6.1, 

Queensland Acid 

Sulfate Soil 

Technical Manual. 

Cover in situ soils with 

clean fill 

Minimisation of disturbance 

Redesign earthworks 

layout 

If groundwater levels 

are not affected, it 

may be possible to 

cover in situ PASS 

with clean fill to 

provide adequate 

depths for 

infrastructure 

excavations without 

disturbing PASS. 

Redesign the 

earthworks layout 

where possible to 

avoid/minimise 

impacts on areas with 

high levels of 

sulphides, 

concentrating 

development 

activities in areas 

with low levels of 

sulphides. 

May disturb in situ ASS 

by: 

• bringing ASS into 

contact with the 

groundwater table; 

• displacing and 

thereby aerating 

previously saturated 

PASS above the 

groundwater table; 

and/or 

• raising acidic 

groundwater tables 

with the short-term 

release of acid into 

waterways. 

Requires detailed 

understanding of ASS 

distributions including 

stratigraphic mapping. 

Following the 

commencement of 

construction, redesigning 

earthworks may not be 

possible. 

ASSMAC, 1998, 

Chapter 3.2.1. 

Chapter 6.2, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 


Chapter 7.1, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 




Strategy 

Shallow disturbances 

Redesign existing drains 

Minimise groundwater 

fluctuations 

Neutralisation of Acid Sulfate Soils 

Neutralisation of ASS 


Where ASS is 

overlain with non- 

ASS sediments, the 

depth of earthworks 

can be altered so that 

the ASS remains 

undisturbed. 

Drains can be 

designed to be wider 

and shallower and 

therefore do not 

penetrate the 

sulphide layers. 

Activities which result 

in groundwater table 

fluctuations should be 

avoided (drainage 

structures, changes 

in vegetation, 

dewatering, 

construction of water 

storages etc). 

Incorporation of 

alkaline materials 

(eg. aglime) into 

ASS. Sufficient 

neutralising agent 

needs to be used to 

ensure that all 

existing and potential 

acidity can be 

neutralised. 




stratigraphic mapping. 

Following the 

commencement of 

construction, redesigning 

earthworks may not be 

possible. 




stratigraphic mapping. Is 

effective only where ASS 

is overlain with non-ASS 

sediments. 

Some projects may 

require works which 

result in groundwater 

table fluctuations. In this 

case, treatment options 

should be pursued. 

There can be significant 

risks to the environment if 

a neutralisation treatment 

is poorly managed (refer 

to Chapter 8 for further 

detail). 

Chapter 7.2, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 


Chapter 7.3, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 


Chapter 7.4, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 

Chapter 3.2.2 & 


Chapter 8, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 

Chapter 3.2.4, 3.5, 

3.6 & 3.7. 

Establishing 

appropriate 

performance criteria 

and undertaking 

verification testing is 

essential. 



Strategy 

Hydraulic Separation 

Hydraulic separation 

Strategic Reburial 


Involves the 

partitioning of 

sediment or soil 

fragments or minerals 

using natural or 

accelerated 

differential settling 

based on differences 

in grain size and 

grain density. 

Separates sulphide 

grains from other 

sediments to create 

‘clean fill’ and sulfidic 

fines requiring 

treatment. 

Requires a void into 

which PASS are 

placed. The void 

must be covered by 

either surface or 

standing water or 

must be beneath the 

groundwater table 

(below compacted 

non-ASS or 

neutralised material). 

Separation will be poor if 

the sulphide grains are 

well cemented or the soil 

contains too much clay 

(generally only suitable 

for sediments with


Strategy 

Higher Risk Management Strategies 

Stockpiling ASS 

Strategic reburial of soils 

with existing acidity 

Large-scale dewatering 

or drainage 

Vertical mixing 


Stockpiling ASS after 

excavation and prior 

to treatment. 

Stockpiling should be 

minimised by 

preparing a detailed 

earthworks strategy 

that documents the 

timing of soil removal, 

treatment locations, 

and treatment and 

disposal locations. 

As previously 

discussed for 

Strategic Reburial, 

except that soils have 

potential and existing 

acidity. 

Earthworks and/or 

pumping that result in 

localised drainage or 

lowering of 

groundwater and the 

exposure of sulfidic 

soils. 

A high risk technique 

that relies on using 

the buffering capacity 

of non-AS horizons to 

dilute and neutralise 

the ASS horizon. 

The risks of stockpiling 

untreated ASS may be 

very high even over a 

short period. Significant 

quantities of acid may 

build up, especially in 

porous sandy soils. 

Mixing of soil horizons 

make appropriate 

neutralisation treatment 

difficult. 

If stockpiling occurs for a 

sufficient period for 

oxidation to occur, 

leachate and runoff must 

be collected and treated. 

Large-scale use of this 

management strategy is 

not recommended. 

There are also difficulties 

in incorporating suitable 

neutralising agents due to 

solubility issues (drying of 

ASS for treatment will 

result in more acid 

generation). 

This activity is high risk 

and should not be 

undertaken without 

detailed assessment and 

identification of 

appropriate management 

measures. May be 

acceptable for short-term 

small scale works (eg. 

shallow infrastructure 

trenching). 

Suitable only for soil 

profiles which have a 

calcareous shelly horizon 

at shallow depths (eg. a 

high proportion of fine 

crushed shells, coral or 

finely ground limestone). 

Use of technique requires 

effective mixing of 

profiles which requires a 

high level of earthworks 

skill and effort. Requires 

detailed understanding of 

soil properties to ensure 

sufficient buffering. 

Chapter 11.1, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 

Chapter 3.3 & 3.7. 

Chapter 11.2, 


Sulfate Soil 


Chapter 11.3, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 


Chapter 11.4, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 




Strategy 

Generally Unacceptable Management Strategies 

Above ground capping 

Hastened oxidation 


Placing untreated 

ASS above ground 

and encapsulating 

under a non-porous 

cap. 

Hastened oxidation 

through regular 

wetting and 

mechanical aeration 

of the soil. 

Failure of cap will lead to 

oxidation and acid 

generation (failure may 

occur due to poor design 

or construction, drought, 

disturbance etc.). Longterm 

monitoring is 

required. 

There are significant time 

delays associated with 

this technique. System 

must be fully contained 

(including from flooding 

etc.) so that acidic 

leachate (high in heavy 

metals) can be collected 

and suitably treated. 

Extensive sampling is 

required and may prove 

costly. 

Chapter 12.1, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 


Chapter 12.2, 


Sulfate Soil 


ASSMAC, 1998, 


Acid Sulfate Rock Controls 

There is substantial literature on the management of acid mine drainage, which results 

from the disturbance of one type of acid rock. 

Key controls to prevent or minimise impacts from ASR include: 

• avoidance; and 

• minimisation of disturbance (requires detailed understanding of distribution). 

Arup Geotechnics (pers comm.) summarise a further seven measures that will generally 

provide control of acid generated from ASR. 

Preferred Options (prevent acid generation): 

• Ensure that suitable material characterisation has been conducted (see ASM 

Procedure No. 2), so that sulfidic material is not used for fill, ballast or site 

remediation works. 

• Prevent oxidation. This may include placing ASR in an anaerobic environment, 

usually below water. 

• Minimise oxidation rate and isolate higher risk materials from exposure. 

• Manage stockpiled materials. This will include minimising the quantity and duration 

of storage, minimising surface area exposed to air, covering to avoid infiltration, 

diverting stormwater, etc. 


Less Preferred Options (treat discharge) 

• Contain or treat acid drainage to minimise risk of significant off site impacts – install 

leachate collection and treatment system. 

• Provide a neutralising agent. 

• Speed up oxidation, collect and treat leachate. 



Estimating treatment levels and aglime required to treat the total weight of disturbed Acid Sulfate Soil – based on soil analysis (after Ahern et al 1998, 

Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual, Soil Management Guidelines) 

The tonnes (t) of pure fine aglime, CaC0 3 required to fully treat the total weight/volume of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) can be read from the table at the intersection of 

the weight of disturbed soil [row] with the existing plus potential acidity [column]. Where the exact weight or soil analysis figure does not appear in the heading of 

the row or column, use the next highest value. 

Disturbed 

ASS (tonnes) Soil Analysis # - Existing Acidity plus Potential Acidity (converted to equivalent S% units) 

(» m 3 x BD) ‡ 

0.03 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5 

1 0 0 0 0 0 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 

5 0 0 0 0.05 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.2 

10 0 0.03 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.9 2.3 

50 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.9 1.4 1.9 2.3 3.5 4.7 5.9 7.0 9.4 12 

100 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.9 1.9 2.8 3.7 4.7 7.0 9.4 12 14 19 23 

200 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.9 3.7 5.6 7.5 9.4 14 19 23 28 37 47 

250 0.4 0.7 1.2 2.3 4.7 7.0 9.4 12 18 23 29 35 47 59 

350 0.5 1.0 1.6 3.3 6.6 10 13 16 25 33 41 49 66 82 

500 0.7 1.4 2.3 4.7 9.4 14 19 23 35 47 59 70 94 117 

600 0.8 1.7 2.8 5.6 11 17 22 28 42 56 70 84 112 140 

750 1.1 2.1 3.5 7.0 14 21 28 35 53 70 88 105 140 176 

900 1.3 2.5 4.2 8.4 17 25 34 42 63 84 105 126 168 211 

1000 1.4 2.8 4.7 9.4 19 28 37 47 70 94 117 140 187 234 

2000 2.8 5.6 9.4 19 37 56 75 94 140 187 234 281 374 468 

5000 7.0 14 23 47 94 140 187 234 351 468 585 702 936 1170 

10000 14 28 47 94 187 281 374 468 702 936 1170 1404 1872 2340 

L 

Low treatment: 

(≤0.1 tonnes lime) 

M 

Medium treatment: 

(>0.1 to 1 tonne lime) 

H 

High treatment: 

(>1 to 5 tonnes lime) 

VH 

Very High treatment: 

(>5 to 25 tonnes lime) 

XH 

Extra High treatment: 

(>25 tonnes lime) 

Note: Lime rates are for pure fine aglime, CaC0 3 assuming an NV of 100% and using a safety factor of 1.5. A factor that accounts for Effective Neutralising Value is needed for commercial grade lime. 

(See the Information Sheets on Neutralising Agents – Neutralising Considerations). 

‡ An approximate soil weight (tonnes) can be obtained from the calculated volume by multiplying volume (cubic m) by bulk density (t/m 3 ). (Use 1.7 if BD is not known). Dense fine 

sandy soils may have a BD up to 1.7, and hence 100m 3 of such soil may weigh up to 170t. In these calculations, it is necessary to convert to dry soil masses, since analyses are 

reported on a dry weight basis. 

# 

Potential acidity can be determined by Chromium Reducible Sulfur (S CR), Peroxide Oxidisable Sulfur (S POS) and Total Oxidisable Sulfur (S TOS). For samples with pH

PART 3 

Glossary and Technical 

References 


8.0 Glossary 

This section provides information about the terminology of Acid Sulfate Soil and Acid 

Sulfate Rock management, together with a reference list for further information about 

all aspects of ASM that may be relevant to RTA personnel. 

Updates of ASM references will be issued on a regular basis via the RTA’s Intranet. 

Acid export – drains are often the means for acid export from an ASS area. 

Eliminating or reducing the number of drains will reduce the amount of acid exported. 

Acid Sulfate Material (ASM) – a general term used in this guideline to refer to all 

types of acid sulfate environments – soils, rock and Monosulfidic Black Ooze. 

Acid Sulfate Rock (ASR) – geological units that contain sulfide or sulfate minerals 

(commonly pyrite) which have the potential to oxidise during construction and produce 

acid that can affect structural integrity or environmental conditions. 

Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS) - a soil or soil horizon which contains acid sulfides or an acid 

soil horizon affected by oxidation of sulfides. This is the definition used in 

Queensland’s Environmental Protection Policy. 

Actual Acidity – Soluble and exchangeable acidity readily available for reaction, 

including pore waters containing metal species capable of hydrolysis (eg. Fe or Al3+ 

ions) 

Actual Acid Sulfate Soil – a term sometimes used for an Acid Sulfate Soil in which 

the sulfides have started to oxidise; this is to distinguish it form a potential Acid Sulfate 

Soil (qv). 

Action Level of oxidisable sulfur is the level for that textures class (ASM Procedure 4 - 

Attachment 2) above which active management or treatment of the material will be 

required if disturbed. 

Aerobic Conditions – conditions in which oxygen is readily available from either the 

atmosphere or from water containing oxygen. 

Anaerobic Conditions – conditions in which oxygen is not readily available. 

Aquifer – a porous soil or rock layer which stores and allows transmission of water. 

ASS – acronym for Acid Sulfate Soil. 

ASSMAC – acronym for Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee. 

Aspect – an element of an organisation’s activities, products or services that can 

interact with the environment. 

Best Practice Environmental Management (BPEM) - Section 18 DEC: the 

management of the activity to achieve an ongoing minimisation of the activity’s 

environmental harm through cost-effective measures assessed against the measures 

currently used nationally and internationally for the activity. 

Biochemical Barrier – changes in biochemical conditions (e.g. acidity and metals 

concentrations) in waterways that restrict movement of aquatic species. 


Broadacre Agriculture – farming of large areas of land, as is usually practiced in 

Australia; the term is sometimes used to distinguish this type of farming from intensive 

agriculture such as the hand-feeding of large numbers of cattle in small feedlots. 

Buffering Capacity – this is a measure of the ability of a sample to resist changes in 

pH. In ASS this ability arises because of reactions between sediment components and 

the hydrogen ions produced by oxidisation. These buffering components include 

alkaline material such as shells made from calcium carbonate and the clay and organic 

fractions of the sediment. 

Concentration – is the amount of a substance contained per unit amount of sample. 

Concentrations in liquids are expressed in amount per volume: moles of substance per 

litre of solution, (M/l); millimoles (mM/l); milligrams per litre, (mg/l); or in amount per unit 

weight: parts per million, (ppm). Concentrations in solids are expressed in amount per 

unit weight: kilograms of substance per kilogram of sample x 100, (%); moles or 

millimoles per kilogram (M/kg, mM/kg); or parts per million, (ppm), milligrams per 

kilogram (mg/kg). 

Cone of Depression – this is the volume of soil around a dewatering point that 

becomes unsaturated (eg. partially drained) during dewatering. Before dewatering 

ASS, the extent, location and soil characteristics of the cone of depression should be 

determined. 

Density, Bulk Density – the dry mass (weight) of a material per unit total volume of 

material (including pore space). Units are tonnes per cubic metre, t/m 3 . 

Drainage – is water flowing under the force of gravity in or from permeable sediment. 

Drainage flows can either be vertical flows, such as flow to the water table, or lateral 

flows to streams or drains. 

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) – Section 3 DEC: allowing 

development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way 

that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends. 

Estuary – the lowest reaches of a river where tidal ocean water mixes with fresh water 

from the river flows. 

Environmental Evaluation – Section 71 DEC: an environmental audit or investigation 

of an activity to decide the source, cause or extent of environmental harm caused by 

the activity, and the need for an environmental management program. 

Environmental Harm – Section 14 DEC: any adverse effect, or potential adverse 

effect (whether temporary or permanent and of whatever magnitude, duration or 

frequency) on an environmental value. May be caused by direct or indirect result of an 

activity. 

Environmental Management Program – an environmental management program 

approved under Chapter 3, Part 6 of the EPA, to achieve compliance with the Act by 

reducing environmental harm, or detailing the transition to an environmental standard. 

Environmental Protection Policies (EPPs) – environmental protection policy 

approved under Chapter 2 of the DEC. 

Environmental Value – Section 9 DEC: a quality or physical characteristic of the 

environment that is conducive to ecological health or public amenity; or another quality 


of the environment identified and declared to be an environmental value under an 

environmental protection policy or regulation. 

Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) – an activity in Schedule 1 of the 

Environmental Protection Regulation, 1998. 

Equivalent - for acids and alkalis an equivalent is the weight of substance necessary 

to give one mole of hydrogen ion, H + , or one mole of hydroxyl ion, OH - , in a 

neutralisation reaction. For an oxidising or reducing agent it is a mole of substance 

divided by the number of electrons in the half reaction for reduction or oxidisation. 

Existing acidity – includes actual acidity and retained acidity. 

Fish Habitat Area – Sections 120 and 121, Fisheries Act 1994 giving statutory 

protection to key habitats to ensure long-term fisheries production. 

Floc – a mass of material that has precipitated as a result of chemical or physical 

interactions (short or floccule). 

Flocculation – the formation of flocs (qv). 

Gel – a soft, jelly-like mass. 

Geomorphic – relating to the form of the earth or its solid surface features. 

Heavy Metals – are metallic ions in trace quantities in the environment. They can 

accumulate in organisms such as plants, fish, birds, animals, and humans and in 

sufficient concentration, can impair the function of those organisms or be toxic to them. 

Heterogeneity – the condition or state of being different in kind or nature. 

Holocene – the most recent geologic epoch of the Quaternary period. The Holocene 

is the most recent of the seven epochs which make up the Cainozoic Era. It covers 

events occurring from the end of the last glacial event, about 11,000 years ago. 

Hydrocyclone – a machine for separating particles or fluids of different densities by 

rapid rotation. 

Impact – any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or 

partially resulting from an organisation’s activities, products or services. 

Inland Acid Sulfate Soils – ASS can form under freshwater conditions in saline 

discharge areas where sulfur, iron and clay have accumulated after mobilisation. 

These soils may form as a result of land clearing, excess discharge of sulfate rich 

saline groundwater and erosion, forming scalds. 

Jarosite – a sulfate of iron and potassium forming a yellowish or brownish mineral. 

Marine Plant – Section 8 Fisheries Act 1994: includes a plant that usually grows on, or 

adjacent to, tidal land, whether it is living, dead, standing or fallen. 

Mole, gram-molecule – a mole, or gram-molecule, is the weight of a substance in 

grams, numerically equal to its atomic or molecular weight. A mole contains 

6.023x10 23 molecules of the substance. A molar solution is one which contains one 

mole of the substance per litre of solution. 


Oxidation – an increase in the oxidation state or number of an element; the removal of 

one or more electrons from an atom or ion or group of atoms; to combine with oxygen. 

eg. The oxidation of ferrous, (Fe 2+ ) ions to ferric, (Fe 3+ ) ions: 

Fe 2+ ð Fe 3+ + e - 

ironII ð ironIII + electron 

The oxidation of organic matter, represented as CH2O, to carbon dioxide: 

CH 2 O + O 2 ð CO 2 + H 2 O 

Organic matter + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water 

In these equations the ironII and organic matter are oxidised. The agent which causes 

the oxidisation is itself reduced. 

Oxidation State or Number – the absolute value of the electronic charge on an ion or 

molecule; the charge on an atom which is assumed to account for the number of 

electrons involved in the oxidation or reduction of an atom in an ion or molecule to the 

free element. eg. Fe 3+ has oxidation number +3. Elemental sulfur, S 0 , has oxidation 

number 0. The sulfur in H 2 S, S 2- has oxidation number -2. 

pH – is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution. It is defined 

as pH = -log10(H+) in moles per litre. Note that this is a logarithmic scale. A tenfold 

change in (H+) produces a change of 1 pH unit. When the pH of an aqueous solution 

is 7, that is the hydrogen ion activity and concentration are 10-7 moles/l, the solution is 

neutral. Pure water in equilibrium with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has a pH less 

than 6 at 25ºC. Acidic solution may be neutralised by the addition of alkaline materials 

or solutions. 

Potential Acid Sulfate Soil – a term sometimes used for an Acid Sulfate Soil (qv) in 

which the sulfides have not yet started to oxidise; this is to distinguish it from an actual 

Acid Sulfate Soil. (qv). 

Potential acidity – acidity associated with the complete oxidation of sulfides (mainly 

pyrite). 

Pyrite – iron sulfide. 

Reduction – the removal of oxygen from a substance, or the addition of hydrogen to it; 

see also, oxidation. 

Retained acidity – acidity retained from sparingly and insoluble sulfur compounds 

(other than sulfides) that slowly produce acid (eg. jarosite, natrojarosite and 

tamarugite). 

Secondary sulfate salts – secondary sulfate salts (eg. Jarosite) may dissolve and 

produce acid with wetting and drying of soil stockpiles. Different testing procedures are 

necessary to identify the presence of different salts (see Queensland Laboratory 

Methods Guidelines). 

Self-neutralising soils – these soils contain abundant natural calcium or magnesium 

carbonate which contributes to the neutralising capacity of the soil. Related factors are 

shell size, (fine shell fragments are more effective due to larger surface area). Self 

neutralising soils may still require the application of additional neutralising agents, and 

the amount should be determined on a site by site basis. 


Soil Scalding – chemical or physical actions that severely reduce the ability of soils to 

support vegetation. 

Soil Ripening – the converting of Acid Sulfate Soils to their final condition after all the 

sulfides have oxidised; such soils tend to have smaller volumes and poorer water 

holding capacities than originally. 

Sulfates – salts resulting from the chemical action of sulfuric acid; in the context of 

ASS the term refers to various iron sulfates. 

Sulfides – in the context of ASS this term refers to unoxidised mineral compounds 

containing sulfur, namely iron sulfide, iron monosulfide and organic sulfides. 

Water Balance – an account of the quantitative inputs and outputs of water to and 

from a storage such as a wetland or an aquifer,; if there is little net change in the 

storage volume over a period of time the total inputs during that period should be equal 

to the total of the outputs. 


9.0 References 

AbiGroup (2001). Acid Sulfate Soils Environmental Control Plan, Yelgun to Chinderah 

project. 

Acid Sulfate Soil Management Advisory Committee (1996) ‘Interim Acid Sulfate Soils 

analytical methods, June 1996’. Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, Wollongbar, 

NSW, 2477. 

Ahern C R, M R Ahern and B Powell (1998) Guidelines for sampling and analysis of 

lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland (1998). 

Ahern C R and Rayment G E. ‘Codes for Acid Sulfate Soils Analytical Methods’. In 

Laboratory Methods Acid Sulfate Soils (1998). Ahern C R, Blunden B and 

Stone Y. (Eds), Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee, 

Wollongbar, NSW, Australia. 

Ahern C R. Blunden B and Stone Y (Eds) (1998a). ‘Acid Sulfate Soils Laboratory 

Methods 1998’. In Acid Sulfate Soil Manual. Ahern, C R Blunden B, and Stone 

Y. (Eds), Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee, Wollongbar, 

NSW, Australia. 

Ahern CR, Stone Y, and Blunden B (1998b). ‘Acid Sulfate Soils Assessment 

Guidelines’. In Acid Sulfate Soil Manual. Ahern CR, Blunden B and Stone Y. 

(Eds) Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee, Wollongbar, NSW, 

Australia. 

Ahern C R and Watling K M (2000). Basic Management Principles: Avoidance, Liming 

and Burial. In Acid Sulfate Soils: Environmental Issues, Assessment and 

Management, Technical Papers. Ahern CR, Hey KM, Watling KM and 

Eldershaw VJ (eds), Brisbane 20-22 June 2000.M Department of Natural 

Resources, Indooroopilly. 

Ahern C R, Stone Y, and Blunden B (1998c). ‘Acid Sulfate Soils Management 

Guidelines 1998’. In Acid Sulfate Soil Manual. Ahern CR, Blunden B, and 

Stone Y (Eds), Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee, 

Wollongbar, NSW, Australia. 

Ahern C R, McElnea A and Baker D E (1996a) ‘To dry or not to dry? That is the 

question for sulfidic soils’. In ‘Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand 

National Soils Conference, 1-4 July 1996’. Australian Soil Science Society, 

Melbourne. 

Ahern C R, McElnea A, Hicks W and Baker D E (1996b) ‘A combined routine peroxide 

method for analyzing Acid Sulfate Soils’. In ‘Proceedings of the 2 nd National 

conference of Acid Sulfate Soils’. Robert J Smith and Associates and 

ASSMAC, Australia. 

Ahern C R, Ahern M R and Powell B (1998a). Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis of 

Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland. QASSIT, Department of 

Natural Resources, Resources Sciences Centre, Indooroopilly. 

Ahern C, Johnston P and Watling K (2002). Acid Sulfate Soils: An important Coastal 

Water Quality Issue. In Coast to Coast, Proceedings of the National Coastal 

Conference, Tweed Heads, November 2002. 


Anderson H, Ahern C R and Weinand-Craske M M G (1996). ‘Oops, I’ve gone too 

deep!’ In ‘Proceedings of the 2 nd National conference of Acid Sulfate Soils’. 

Robert J Smith and Associates and ASSMAC, Australia. 

Atkins R J, Hay D and Robertson J (1997). Shallow water cover design – methodology 

and field verification. In Proceedings 1, Fourth International Conference on 

Acid Rock Drainage, Vancouver BC Canada, pp 211-228. 

ARUP Geotechnics (2003, pers comm). Geoguide – Acid Rock Drainage. 

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (1992). Australian 

Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters. November 1992. 

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (2000). National 

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APPENDIX 1 

National Water Quality Management 

Strategy – Australian and New Zealand 

Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water 

Quality (2000) 


Appendix 1 

National Water Quality Management Strategy - Australian and New Zealand Guidelines 

for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) 

The current process for determining appropriate water quality outcomes in Australia is 

presented in the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (2000) 

and involves a risk based assessment of ecosystem condition. 

The following tables, drawn from the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and 

Marine Waters (2000) summarise firstly the process for determining the appropriate level of 

protection in relation to biological indicators, physical and chemical stressors, toxicants and 

sediments (Table 3.2.1 of the Guideline). Secondly, Tables 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Guideline 

provide default water quality values for natural waters in south eastern Australia. Default 

triggers are noted for salinity, turbidity, a variety of nutrients, dissolved oxygen and pH. 

Of these, the values that are provided for lowland rivers and estuarine/marine ecosystems are 

likely to be relevant to RTA staff managing ASS issues. Whilst coastal wetlands may also be 

impacted by road works in ASS areas, the guideline notes that no reliable data is available to 

set default triggers for the water quality parameters under consideration. 


Table 1: Recommended Levels of Protection Defined for Each Indicator Type (Table 3.1.2 from ANZECC, 2000) 

Ecosystem 

Condition 

1. High 

conservation/ 

ecological value 

2. Slightly to 

moderately 

disturbed 

systems 

Level of Protection 

Biological Conditions Physical and Chemical Stressors Toxicants Sediments 

• No change in biodiversity 

beyond natural variability. 

Recommend ecologically 

conservative decision criteria for 

level of detection. 

• Where reference condition is 

poorly characterised, actions to 

increase the power of detecting 

a change recommended. 

• Precautionary approach 

recommended for assessment 

of post-baseline data through 

trend analysis or feedback 

triggers. 

• Negotiated statistical decision 

criteria for detecting departure 

from reference condition. 

Maintenance of biodiversity still 

a key management goal. 



• No change beyond natural 

variability recommended, using 

ecologically conservative decision 

criteria for detecting change. 

Any relaxation of this objective 

should only occur where 

comprehensive biological effects 

and monitoring data clearly show 

that biodiversity would not be 

altered. 



increase the power of detecting a 

change recommended. 

• Precautionary approach taken for 

assessment of post-baseline data 

through trend analysis or feedback 

triggers. 

• Always preferable to use data on 

local biological effects to derive 

guidelines. 

If local biological effects data 

unavailable, local or regional site 

data used to derive guideline 

values using suggested approach 

• For toxicants generated by human 

activities, detection at any 

concentration could be grounds 

for investigating their source and 

for management intervention 1 ; for 

naturally occurring toxicants, 

background concentrations should 

not be exceeded. 

Where local biological or chemical 

data have not yet been gathered, 

apply the default values provided 

in Section 3.4.2.4. 

Any relaxation of these objectives 

should only occur where 

comprehensive biological effects 

and monitoring data clearly show 


altered. 

• In the case of effluent discharges, 

direct toxicity assessment (DTA) 

should also be required. 

• Precautionary approach taken for 

assessment of post-baseline data 

through trend analysis or 

feedback triggers. 

• Always preferable to use data on 

local biological effects (including 

DTA) to derive guidelines. 

If local biological data unavailable, 

apply default, low-risk trigger 

values from Section 3.4.2.4. 

• Precautionary approach may be 

• No change from background 

variability characterised by 

the reference condition. 

Any relaxation of this 

objective should only occur 

where comprehensive 

biological effects and 

monitoring data clearly show 


altered. 

• Precautionary approach 

taken for assessment of 

post-baseline data through 


triggers. 

• The sediment quality 

guidelines provided in 

Section 3.5 apply. 

• Precautionary approach may 

be required for assessment 



1 For globally distributed chemicals such as DDT residues, it may be necessary to apply background concentrations, as for naturally occurring toxicants. 


3. Highly 

disturbed 

systems 

increase the inferential strength 

of the monitoring program 

suggested. 


required for assessment of postbaseline 

data through trend 

analysis or feedback triggers. 

• Selection of reference condition 

within this category based on 

community desires. Negotiated 

statistical decision criteria for 

detecting departure from 

reference condition may be 

more lenient than the previous 

two condition categories. 

in Section 3.3.2.3. Alternatives to 

the default decision criteria for 

detecting departure from reference 

condition may be negotiated by 

stakeholders but should be 

ecologically conservative and not 

compromise biodiversity. 

Where local reference site data 

not yet gathered, apply default, 

regional low-risk trigger values 

from Section 3.3.2.5. 





• Local or regional reference site 

data used to derive guideline 

values using suggested approach 

in Section 3.3.2.3. Selection of 

reference condition within this 

category based on community 

desires. Negotiated statistical 

decision criteria may be more 

lenient than the previous two 

condition categories. 

Where local reference site data 

not yet gathered, apply default, 

regional low-risk trigger values 

from Section 3.3.2.5; or use 

biological effects data from the 

literature to derive guidelines. 




• In the case of effluent discharges 

DTA may be required. 

• Apply the same guidelines as for 

‘slightly-moderately’ disturbed 

systems. However, the lower 

protection levels provided in the 

Guidelines may be accepted by 

stakeholders. 

• DTA could be used as an 

alternative approach for deriving 

site-specific guidelines. 

triggers. 

• Relaxation of the trigger 

values where appropriate, 

taking into account both 

upper and lower guideline 

values. 

• Precautionary approach may 

be required for assessment 



triggers. 


Table 2: Default Trigger Values for Physical and Chemical Stressors (Table 3.3.2 from 

ANZECC, 2000) 

Default trigger values for physical and chemical stressors for south-east Australia for slightly 

disturbed ecosystems. Trigger values are used to assess risk of adverse effects due to 

nutrients, biodegradable organic matter and pH in various ecosystem types. Data derived from 

trigger values supplied by Australian states and territories. Chl a = chlorophyll a, TP = total 

phosphorous, FRP = filterable reactive phosphate, TN = total nitrogen, NO x 

= oxides of 

nitrogen, NH 4 + = ammonium, DO = dissolved oxygen. 

Ecosystem Type Chl a TP FRP TN NO x NH 4 

+ 

DO (% saturation) l 

pH 

Lower limit Upper limit Lower limit Upper limit 

−1 

−1 

−1 

−1 

−1 

−1 

(µg L ) (µg P L ) (µg P L ) (µg N L ) (µg N L ) (µg N L ) 

Upland river 

na a 20 b 15 g 250 c 15 h 13 i 90 110 6.5 7.5 m 

Lowland river d 5 50 20 500 o 

40 

20 85 110 6.5 8.0 

Freshwater 

lakes & 

5 e 10 5 350 10 10 90 110 6.5 8.0 m 

Reservoirs 

Wetlands No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data 

Estuaries p 4 f 30 j 

5 

300 15 15 80 110 7.0 8.5 

Marine p 1 n 25 n 10 120 5 k k 

15 

90 110 8.0 8.4 

na = 

Not applicable 

a = Monitoring of periphyton and not phytoplankton biomass is recommended in upland rivers – 

values for periphyton biomass (mg Chl a m 2 ) to be developed; 

b = Values are 30 µgL for QLD rivers, 10 µgL for VIC alpine streams and 13 µgL for TAS 

rivers; 

c = Values are 100 µgL for VIC alpine streams and 480 µgL for TAS rivers; 

d = Values are 3 µgL for Chl a, 25 µgL for TP and 350 µgL for TN for NSW & VIC East 

flowing coastal rivers; 

e = Values are 3 µgL for TAS lakes; 

f = Value is 5 µgL for QLD estuaries; 

g = Value is 5 µgL for VIC alpine streams and TAS rivers; 

h = Value is 190 µgL for TAS rivers; 

i = Values is 10 µgL for QLD rivers; 

j = Value is 15 µgL for QLD estuaries; 

k = Values of 25 µgL for NO x and 20 µgL + 

for NH 4 for NSW are elevated due to frequent 

l = 

upwelling events; 

Dissolved oxygen values were derived from daytime measurements. Dissolved oxygen 

concentrations may vary diurnally and with depth. Monitoring programs should assess this 

potential variability (see Section 3.3.3.2); 

m = Values for NSW upland rivers are 6.5-8.0, for NSW lowland rivers 6.5-8.5, for humic rich TAS 

lakes and rivers 4.0-6.5; 

n = Values are 20 µgL for TP for offshore waters and 1.5 µgL for Chl a for QLD inshore waters; 

o = Values is 60 µgL for QLD rivers; 

p = 

No data available for TAS estuarine and marine waters. A precautionary approach should be 

adopted when applying default trigger values to these systems. 


Table 3: Ranges of Default Trigger Values (Table 3.3.3 from ANZECC, 2000) 

Ranges of default trigger values for conductivity (EC, salinity), turbidity and suspended 

particulate matter (SPM) indicative of slightly disturbed ecosystems in south-east Australia. 

Ranges for turbidity and SPM are similar and only turbidity is reported here. Values reflect high 

site-specific and regional variability. Explanatory notes provide detail on specific variability 

issues for ecosystem type. 

Ecosystem Type Salinity Explanatory Notes 

(mScm 1 ) 

Upland rivers 30-350 Conductivity in upland streams will vary depending upon 

catchment geology. Low values are found in VIC alpine 

regions (30 µScm 1 ) and eastern highlands (55 µScm 1 ), 

and high values (350 µScm 1 ) in NSW rivers. Tasmanian 

rivers are mid-range (90 µScm 1 ). 

Lowland rivers 125-2200 Lowland rivers may have higher conductivity during low flow 

periods and if the system receives saline groundwater inputs. 

Low values are found in eastern highlands of VIC (125 

µScm 1 ) and higher values in western lowlands and northern 

plains of VIC (2200 µScm 1 ). NSW coastal rivers are typically 

in the range 200-300 µScm 1 . 

Lakes & reservoirs 20-30 Conductivity in lakes and reservoirs is generally low, but will 

vary depending upon catchment geology. Values provided are 

typical of Tasmanian lakes and reservoirs. 

Turbidity (NTU) 

Upland rivers 2-25 Most good condition upland streams have low turbidity. High 

values may be observed during high flow events. 

Lowland rivers 6-50 Turbidity in lowland rivers can be extremely variable. Values 

at the low end of the range would be found in rivers flowing 

through well-vegetated catchments and at low flows. Values 

at the high end of the range would be found in rivers draining 

slightly disturbed catchments and in many rivers at high flows. 

Lakes & reservoirs 1-20 Most deep lakes and reservoirs have low turbidity. However, 

shallow lakes and reservoirs may have higher natural turbidity 

due to wind-induced resuspension of sediments. Lakes and 

reservoirs in catchments with highly dispersible soils will have 

high turbidity. 

Estuarine & 

marine 

0.5-10 Low turbidity values are normally found in offshore waters. 

Higher values may be found in estuaries or inshore coastal 

waters due to wind-induced resuspension or to the input of 

turbid water from the catchment. Turbidity is not a very useful 

indicator in estuarine and marine waters. A move towards the 

measurement of light attenuation in preference to turbidity is 

recommended. 


APPENDIX 2 

Summary of Policies and Statutes 

affecting RTA activities in ASM areas 


Summary of Policies and Statutes affecting 

RTA activities in ASM areas 

Statute, Policy, 

Strategic Plan 

Environment 

Protection and 

Biodiversity 

Conservation Act 

2000 Cwlth (EPBC 

Act) 

Environmental 

Planning and 

Assessment Act 1979 

and Regulations 2000 

NSW (EP&A Act) 

Protection of the 

Environment 

Operations Act (1997) 

Coastal Protection 

Act 1979 NSW 

State Environmental 

Planning Policy No.14 

– Coastal Wetlands 

(SEPP 14) 

Summary 

The Commonwealth is the determining 

authority for proposed actions that are likely 

to have a significant impact on matters of 

national environmental significance. 

All proposed actions that impact on matters 

of national environmental significance must 

be referred to Environment Australia 

seeking a determination on whether the 

impact of the proposed action is considered 

significant. 

Approval for development and activities 

undertaken by the RTA needs to be 

obtained under either Part 4 or Part 5 of the 

Act. Where an Environmental Planning 

Instrument requires development consent to 

be obtained for RTA developments then the 

assessment process outlined in Part 4 of 

the EP&A Act must be followed. If not, as a 

public authority, the RTA must obtain 

approval under Part 5 for work classed as 

an activity. 

Certain polluting activities must hold an 

environment protection licence. Schedule 1 

of the POEO Act lists activities for which an 

environment protection licence is required. 

Types of scheduled activities include 

Freeway or tollway construction, dredging 

works and extractive industries. 

The RTA is under a duty to notify the DEC 

of the occurrence of pollution incidents 

where material harm to the environment is 

caused or threatened. Material harm 

includes actual or potential harm to the 

health or safety of human beings or 

ecosystems that is not trivial or that results 

in actual or potential loss or property 

damage to an amount of $10,000. 

Requires a public authority to obtain the 

concurrence of the Minister for Commerce 

to carry out any development or grant the 

right to carry out any development in the 

coastal zone if in the opinion of the Minister, 

the development or the use or occupation 

may in any way adversely impact on coastal 

water bodies (lakes, lagoons, wetlands 

estuaries etc). 

SEPP 14 aims to ensure that coastal 

wetlands are preserved and protected. Land 

clearing, levee construction, drainage works 

or filling may only be carried out within 

these wetlands with the consent of the local 

council and the agreement of the Director- 

General of DIPNR. 

Application to RTA ASM Management 

Chapter 2.3.5, 5.2.1 and Appendix N of the 

RTA EIA Guidelines outline when a referral 

to Environment Australia is required for RTA 

activities that have ASM related impacts. 

Approximately 6 weeks should be allowed for 

the referral process. 

Both Part 4 and Part 5 require an EIA be 

undertaken that considers environmental 

factors including the impact of leachate from 

ASM on surface and groundwaters, soil and 

vegetation. 

This process is documented in either an REF 

or EIS. 

EIA is to be conducted in accordance with 

the RTA EIA Guidelines and ASM Procedure 

No.1. 

Works undertaken to manage ASS 

specifically do not require an Environment 

Protection Licence unless undertaken in 

conjunction with a scheduled activity such as 

Freeway or tollway construction. 

However, the if RTA activities result in 

material harm to the environment being 

caused or threatened, then the RTA and 

individual employees of the RTA are under a 

duty to notify the DEC of such an incident as 

soon as practicable. 

If RTA conducts activities in the coastal zone 

then they must consult with the Minister for 

Commerce and obtain the concurrence of 

that Minister for activities which have an 

adverse impact before granting approval. 

If works to manage ASM involve disturbance 

of a SEPP 14 wetland and are not part of 

existing development consent, consent must 

be sought from the local council. An EIS 

must accompany the development 

application. 



RTA activities in ASM areas (cont) 



Water Management 

Act 2000 NSW 

(WMA) 

Water Act 1912 NSW 

Fisheries 

Management Act 

1994 NSW (FMA) 

Environmentally 

Hazardous Chemicals 

Act 1985 NSW 

Summary 

Requires either a licence or approval to be 

obtained for activities that impact upon 

NSW water resources. 

Water access licences will replace existing 

water licenses under the Water Act 1912. 

Land based activities will be subject to four 

possible types of approval: water use 

approvals; water management work 

approvals; controlled activity approvals and 

aquifer interference approvals. Water use 

approvals authorise the use of water for a 

specified purpose for up to 10 years. Water 

management work approvals permit the 

construction and use of works for water 

supply, drainage or flood management for 

up to 20 years. Controlled activity approvals 

authorise 'controlled activity' on water front 

land, which includes building, carrying out of 

work, deposition of material, and removal of 

material. Aquifer interference activity 

approvals authorise the holder to conduct 

activities that damage or interfere with 

groundwater that are not for the primary 

purpose of extracting groundwater. 

At present a licence is required for works 

including extraction of water, installation of 

bores and the diversion of watercourses. 

The Fauna Management Act 1994 imposes 

a number of obligations, including: 

• The requirement to provide written 

notice to the Minister at least 28 days 

prior to carrying out dredging or 

reclamation work, 

• The requirement to notify the Minister of 

the proposal to construct, alter or modify 

a dam, weir or reservoir on a waterway, 

• The need to consider habitat protection 

plans and to consider other documents 

in certain circumstances, 

• The Act sets out the requirements for 

content where a Species Impact 

Statement is required under the EP&A 

Act, 

• The requirements for permits in certain 

circumstances (e.g. for obstruction of 

fish passage), and 

• The requirements relating to Threatened 

Species Recovery Plans and Threat 

Abatement Plans. 

The DEC has the power to regulate the 

management of certain chemicals by 

making Chemical Control Orders (CCO). 

CCO can prohibit specified activities or 

require them to be licensed, prohibit 

activities that don't comply with the 

conditions of the order, or permit an activity 

unconditionally. 


Upon commencement of the licensing and 

approvals provisions, the WMA will affect 

most land based activities. 

The detailed requirements of the Act should 

be considered where ASM management 

works involve: 

• Taking and using water, 

• Constructing or removing drainage or 

flood works, and 

• Carrying out any works affecting the flow 

or quality of water in a water course, 

including depositing or removing material 

or removing vegetation. 

All necessary approvals will be obtainable 

through a single application from the DIPNR. 

The RTA must obtain a licence to extract 

water from any river, creek or bore or to 

construct works for the purpose of diverting a 

watercourse. 

The Act is potentially relevant to ASM works 

affecting waterways with respect to the 

issues identified in the summary. 

CCO exist for certain chemicals such PCBs 

used by the RTA. Management of these 

chemicals should be undertaken in 

accordance with the CCO. 






National Parks and 

Wildlife Act 1974 

NSW (NPW Act) 

Threatened Species 


1995 

Native Vegetation 


1997 NSW 

State Environmental 

Planning Policy No.71 

– Coastal Protection 

(SEPP 71) 

Summary 

This Act provides for the preservation, 

protection and management of certain 

native fauna, flora and Aboriginal heritage. 

It is an offence to harm native fauna or pick 

native flora within wildlife protection areas, 

harm or pick any threatened species, 

population or ecological community unless 

licensed to do so or in accordance with a 

development consent . 

In relation to Aboriginal heritage, it is an 

offence to knowingly damage, deface or 

destroy an Aboriginal relic or Aboriginal 

Place without the consent of the NPWS 

under s.90. 

In addition, anyone who discovers an 

Aboriginal relic must report that discovery to 

the NPWS within a reasonable time unless 

that person has reason to believe that the 

NPWS already knows of its existence. 

The TSC Act provides protection for 

threatened plants and animals native to 

NSW (excluding fish and marine vegetation) 

and integrates the consideration of 

threatened species into the planning 

process under the EP&A Act. 

This Act provides a comprehensive system 

for conserving and managing native 

vegetation in NSW. The Act prohibits the 

clearing of certain land without development 

consent under the EP&A Act in certain 

circumstances. 

Clause 8 of SEPP 71 lists numerous 

matters to be considered by a consent 

authority when determining a development 

application located within the coastal zone. 

Water quality is listed as a matter for 

consideration. DIPNR is made responsible 

for the assessment of new development 

within the coastal zone classed as 

significant coastal development. Significant 

coastal development includes land within a 

sensitive coastal location and 100m below 

the high water mark of the sea. It was 

recently announced that SEPP 71 will be 

reviewed. 


Relates to activities undertaken by the RTA 

that could result in harm to flora and fauna 

and are not undertaken in accordance with 

development consent. The NPW Act may 

also be relevant where works to manage 

ASM have the potential to adversely impact 

Aboriginal sites. 

Could be relevant where works to manage 

ASS are not part of a development consent 

and have the potential to harm species listed 

under the Act. 

In areas with approved regional vegetation 

management plans, vegetation management 

(as may be required during the management 

of ASM) should be undertaken in accordance 

with the plan, otherwise actions may require 

development consent. In areas where there 

is currently no plan, clearing of native 

vegetation is permissible if exemptions apply 

(a list is held by the local DIPNR office), or if 

approval has been given by DIPNR. 

Works to manage ASM undertaken within 

the coastal zone and considered to be 

coastal significant development require 

approval from the DIPNR. A range of coastal 

environments in which ASM can be expected 

to occur are noted as sensitive coastal 

locations in the SEPP. 






Local Environmental 

Plans and ASS Model 

LEP 

NSW Catchment 

Blueprints 

State Water 

Management 

Outcomes Plan 

Estuary Management 

Plans 

Floodplain 

Management Plans 

NSW Coastal Policy 

1997 

National Strategy for 

the Management of 

Coastal Acid Sulfate 

Soils 2000 

Summary 

A model LEP has been developed to 

improve the management of works 

undertaken in ASS areas and has been 

adopted by many coastal local government 

areas. 

The model LEP contains provisions 

requiring development consent for works 

that might disturb ASS by subjecting the 

approval to environmental assessment 

under Part 4 of the EP&A Act, 1979. 

Catchment Blueprints provide a succinct 

and clear direction for activity and 

investment in natural resource management 

across the relevant catchment over the next 

10 years. Blueprints contain objectives, 

catchment targets, management targets 

and a list of management actions to achieve 

the targets in order to guide natural 

resource management decisions. 

Sets overall policy and strategic outcomes 

for water management in NSW. Target 30 

relates specifically to ASM. It states that 

coastal floodplain areas with high water 

quality risk are to be addressed by no 

increase in acid drainage resulting from new 

developments in a mapped ASS hot spot. 

Prepared as joint initiatives of State and 

Local Government. Estuary Management 

plans provide actions to maintain and 

enhance estuary values, and generally 

include actions and targets relating to ASS 

as a key issue. 

Prepared as a joint initiative of State and 

Local Government. May include actions 

relating to protection of water quality in 

floodplain habitats. 

Provides a strategic framework for the 

management of coastal environments, with 

9 goals and 34 key actions. Action 2.1.4 of 

the Policy relates specifically to ASS. It 

states that initiatives will be taken to 

address the impacts of ASS through risk 

mapping, requiring an EIS for ASS related 

developments, monitoring ASS impacts, 

preparation of management plans, at the 

project level. 

It was announced in late 2002 that the NSW 

Coastal Policy is to be updated in 

consultation with relevant stakeholders. 

The National Strategy provides a national 

approach to the assessment and 

management of coastal ASS. It identifies 

priorities for better management of coastal 

ASS that include distribution mapping and 

the implementation of effective planning 

policy. 


A LEP in a coastal area is likely to require 

consent for RTA work undertaken within an 

ASS risk area in accordance with the 

provisions of the model LEP. However, in 

most cases the consent requirements will be 

overcome by the application of other 

statutory provisions and environmental 

impact assessment under Part 5 of the 

EP&A Act will apply. 

Many Blueprints specifically address ASS 

issues on coastal floodplains. Therefore in 

managing ASM, the RTA should examine the 

relevant Catchment Blueprint and undertake 

activities consistently with the Blueprint 

targets. 

All RTA works should be undertaken in 

accordance with the NSW SWMOP, in 

particular ASM related works are to be 

consistent with Target 30. 

The impact of Estuary Management Plans 

should be considered during EIA. 

The impact of Estuary Management Plans 

should be considered during EIA. 

RTA works undertaken in the coastal zone 

should be consistent with the objectives of 

the NSW Coastal policy and specifically 

Action 2.1.4. 

RTA works in ASS areas should be 

undertaken generally in accordance with the 

National Strategy. 




APPENDIX 3 

Impacts of Acid Sulfate Materials 


A range of impacts associated with disturbance and oxidation of ASM (drawn 

principally from the literature on ASS) is presented below. 

1. Aquatic and Wetland/Terrestrial Ecosystem Impacts 

White and Melville (2000) provide an overview of the impacts of poorly managed ASS 

on ecology. The most commonly reported impacts of acidification of estuarine waters 

relate to gilled fish, crustacean and aquaculture shellfish. 

• Sammut, Melville and Callinan (1995) describe fish kills and fish diseases such as 

red spot disease that result from acidification of fish habitat. A major event that 

drew attention to the severity of acid sulfate impacts on coastal waterways occurred 

in 1987, when 23 km of the Tweed estuary was so severely acidified that it resulted 

in “death of all fish, prawns, crabs and many worms in this reach” (White and 

Melville 2000). 

• A number of studies have reported decreased aquaculture production and shell 

thinning (eg. in oysters) in estuaries subject to chronic acidification episodes. 

• NSW Fisheries (1985) reported a general decline in fish populations and fish health 

as well as potential changes to species structure in areas where acid drainage 

occurs. Although wild fish will generally move if possible to avoid low pH waters, 

they can become trapped in estuaries between floodgate structures and acidified 

waters. 

Inappropriately managed drainage from actual ASS and from pyritic rocks that are 

uncovered in cuttings or used as fills can affect the growth of plants. White and 

Melville (2000) note that since the main period of floodplain drainage, now some 50 

years ago in northern NSW, some low lying areas have become persistently scalded 

and devoid of vegetation. The peat that formerly overlaid the ASS in these areas has 

often been burnt after desiccation and the geochemistry of the scalded areas is toxic to 

plants (usually with a high aluminium concentration). Rossicky, Sullivan and Slavich 

(2002) report research on potential revegetation measures for these scalded areas. 

In coastal agricultural lands, the extent of ASS impacts depends in part on the nature of 

the crop, with some species (such as bananas, sugarcane and pineapples) being much 

more tolerant of acid soil conditions than others. Johnson (2002) and others have also 

noted that some species of Melaleuca are acid tolerant and may provide preliminary 

indication of acid hot spots across a floodplain. 

2. Release of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soils 

The reaction between acid and clay minerals releases dissolved aluminium, iron, 

manganese, heavy metals and other metal ions into soil and drainage waters (White 

and Melville, 2000; following van Breeman, 1973). At low pH (generally at pH less than 

4.5) these ions will remain dissolved. The dissolved ions are highly toxic to aquatic life. 

The impact of acid conditions can be particularly significant in situations where there is 

existing contamination of soils or sediments by heavy metal pollution. These situations 

could include estuarine sediments that have been polluted by stormwater or sewerage 

effluent containing metals or pesticides. 


3. Human and Animal Health 

Humans and domestic and wild animals are all sensitive to low pH environments, and 

particularly to potentially toxic concentrations of metals that may occur in acidified 

areas. White and Melville (1993) and Pearce (1995) refer to direct impacts such as 

stunted growth, mental impairment, heavy metal poisoning and respiratory problems. 

A further indirect impact is an increased risk of diseases that may be carried by acid 

tolerant organisms. 

QASSIT (2000) note the potential for dust from disturbed ASM to cause eye irritation 

and direct contact with acid surface waters can trigger dermatitis in sensitive 

individuals. 

4. Corrosion of and Structural Damage to Steel and Concrete 

Structures 

This issue is widely reported from areas affected by ASS and ASR. White and Melville 

(2000) note that iron and steel (eg. in pipes, reinforcing steel) and aluminium (eg. in 

road guard rails, aluminium boats) are attacked by acid, although steel generally 

requires severe reducing conditions. As an example, Tweed Shire Council recently 

spent $4 million replacing cast iron water pipes that had been corroded by acid. 

Lea (1970) describes the impact of acid sulfate conditions on cement. These impacts 

include etching, exposure of aggregate, volume increase due to chemical reactions and 

overall weakening/degradation. 

Other aspects of the process of deterioration include: 

• leaching, which removes part or all of the hardened cement paste from concrete; 

• deterioration by exchange reactions and by removal of readily soluble compounds 

from the hardened cement paste; and 

• swelling deterioration, largely due to the formation of new stable compounds in the 

hardened cement paste. 

5. Soil Structure and Subsidence 

White and Melville (2000) note that when ASS oxidise, there are significant structural 

changes to the soil, known as “ripening.” 

“Many of the unconsolidated backswamp, sulfidic sediments are essentially 

gels containing up to 80% water and they have a very small capacity to 

transmit water. Ripening flocculates these gels, producing soils with lower 

water contents and higher hydraulic conductivities. Ripening can also cause 

soil to shrink by almost 50% of their volume (see also White et al 1993). This 

together with the oxidation of peat top soils means that the soil surface 

elevations in drained backswamp areas are lower than in their undrained 

state.” 


6. Soil Erosion, Clogging of Aquifers and Subsoil Drains 

Where land and water uses cause dewatering of sand aquifers in ASS areas, the pyrite 

minerals can oxidise at depth in the stratigraphy, leading to the formation of iron flocs 

when fresh or neutral pH water meets iron rich ground waters. In addition, bacterial 

mats and filamentous bacteria may thrive in iron rich groundwaters. In both cases, 

there is potential for wells, drains and pumps to become clogged. Note also the 

potential for MBO to form as organic gels in drains in ASS areas. 

In areas where surface soils are affected by acidification, vegetation may be very 

sparse and regeneration slow. These scalded soils are susceptible to both sheet 

erosion and wind erosion (note acid dust impacts on human health, in Section 5.4). 

7. Other Impacts, Issues and Risks 

The range and severity of these direct environmental and project management risks 

also raises the potential for a number of associated risks, including: 

• geotechnical investigation and road design costs, including the development of 

alternative route scenarios; 

• project cost implications associated with effective management of ASM (eg. 

additional materials costs or changes to design), and also with failure to recognise 

and deal with ASS effectively; 

• potential additional environmental offset costs in terms of specific habitats under 

threat from road construction; 

• risks of prosecution by the DEC if there is an ASM incident causing harm to the 

environment and the RTA cannot demonstrate due diligence; and 

• poor community relations and organisational reputation for sustainable 

environmental management. Reduced perception of the RTA as a credible 

performer in sustainable environmental management. 


RTA/Pub. 05. 032

Guideline for the Management of Acid Aulphate Materials - RTA

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